Minerals
Inorganic nutrients used as medicines: zinc for childhood diarrhoea and fluoride to prevent tooth decay, among others.
What they are
Mineral supplements from the WHO Essential Medicines List that prevent or treat deficiency or disease: zinc sulfate, fluoride and iodine. Iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium have their own pages in other groups.
Mechanism of action
Each mineral acts in its own way: zinc is a cofactor of many enzymes and supports the gut lining and immunity; fluoride hardens enamel and helps it remineralise; iodine is built into thyroid hormones.
Target: Enzyme cofactors, tooth enamel and thyroid hormone synthesis
Drugs in this class
- Zinc sulfateA zinc salt that WHO recommends, with oral rehydration, for every child with diarrhoea: it shortens episodes and…Cofactor of many enzymes; supports gut lining repair and immunity
- FluorideA mineral that hardens tooth enamel and helps repair early decay. Given in water, toothpaste and varnish; too much in…Tooth enamel (hydroxyapatite crystals)
Others in the class
- Iodine (iodised oil, potassium iodide)
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which mineral does WHO pair with oral rehydration salts in childhood diarrhoea?
Zinc.
What sign shows fluoride excess in a child's teeth?
White lines or streaks on the enamel (dental fluorosis).
Which deficiency can long-term zinc supplements cause?
Copper deficiency.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Zinc supplementation in the management of diarrhoea (World Health Organization (eLENA), 2023); Zinc in diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); About Fluoride | Oral Health | CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.