Final answer:
The mineral that is required in an amount of 0.8 - 1.2 grams per day is calcium, which is vital for bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mineral required in an amount of 0.8 - 1.2 grams per day is calcium. Calcium and phosphorus are the most common minerals in the body, both essential for bone hardening and stored in the skeleton.
While minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are also needed in significant quantities, the required daily amount for calcium specifically falls within the range of 0.8 to 1.2 grams,
which aligns with the recommended intake for maintaining proper health and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.
In contrast, minerals such as iron are needed in much smaller quantities (micronutrients), and the body's requirements for other elements like sodium are higher than for calcium.
Ensuring a balanced diet typically includes getting adequate amounts of major minerals, including calcium and other macronutrients essential for various physiological functions.