A mineral needed for proper functioning of the thyroid gland and production of thyroid hormones. Sources of iodine include cereals, pulses and fresh foods, dairy milk, seafood, poultry, meat and eggs.

Iron is an essential mineral needed for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body in the blood. As babies grow at a rapid rate, they need a lot of iron to ensure good health. If iron levels are too low, your baby can become tired, growth can be impaired and your baby's ability to concentrate and learn can be reduced. Babies at risk of iron deficiencies are those born premature, with low birth weight or whose mothers were of poor nutritional status or who are diabetic. Rich sources of iron include fortified cereals and formula, lean meat, dried beans and tofu. Many infant formulas also come fortified with iron.

Lactose is a carbohydrate consisting of glucose linked to galactose. Lactose is the major carbohydrate in human breast milk, cow milk, and in most milk-based infant formulas. For infants with lactose intolerance, formulas that contain no lactose can be used. Many soy-protein formulas also do not contain lactose and are suitable for lactose intolerant infants.

An essential mineral that helps our bodies absorb calcium, magnesium plays a role in the formation and strengthening of teeth and bones. It also regulates nerve impulses and aids in the formation of neurotransmitters, making it necessary for muscle and nerve activity. Magnesium can be found in spinach, tomatoes, broad beans, lima beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, wheat flour, oat bran, barley and cornmeal.

Minerals are essential for your child’s body functioning and structure. They help with various functions – to build strong bone and teeth, control body fluids inside and outside cells and turn the food your child eats into energy. Your child’s body needs larger amounts of some minerals, such as calcium, to grow and stay healthy. Other minerals like chromium, copper, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc are called trace minerals because your child needs only a very small amount of them each day. See also Calcium, Fluoride, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc.