Answer to Question 1
The two minerals most likely to fall short in the diet are calcium and iron. Interestingly, both are found in protein-rich foods, but not in the same foods. Milk and milk products are rich in calcium but poor in iron. Conversely, meats, poultry, fish, and legumes are rich in iron but (with the exception of small fish such as canned sardines and other canned fishes prepared with their bones) poor in calcium. Including food sources of calcium and iron in the diet can help defend against osteoporosis and iron deficiency, respectively.
Answer to Question 2
Fluoride's primary role in health is the prevention of dental caries throughout life. Only a trace of fluoride occurs in the human body, but it is important to the mineralization of the bones and teeth. When bones and teeth become mineralized, first a crystal called hydroxyapatite forms from calcium and phosphorus. Then fluoride replaces the hydroxy portion of hydroxyapatite, forming fluorapatite. During development, fluorapatite enlarges crystals in bones and teeth, decreasing their susceptibility to demineralization and making the teeth more resistant to decay. Once the teeth have erupted, the topical application of fluoride by way of toothpaste or mouth rinse continues to exert a caries-reducing effect.
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