Which mineral is primarily a component of table salt and is found naturally in foods?

Sodium is primarily a component of table salt, chemically represented as sodium chloride (NaCl). It is an essential mineral that plays several vital roles in the body, including helping to maintain fluid balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and aiding in muscle contractions.

Naturally, sodium can be found in various foods, especially those that are processed or cured, as they often have added salt for flavor and preservation. While it is also present in some naturally occurring foods in smaller amounts, table salt is a major dietary source. This importance of sodium in diet and its central role in numerous physiological functions justifies its classification as a significant mineral.

In contrast, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, while also essential minerals important for various bodily functions, do not serve as the primary component of table salt. Each of these minerals has distinct dietary sources and functions unrelated to the characteristic role of sodium in salt.