Consider the following minerals: 1. Calcium 2. Iron 3. Sodium Which of the minerals given above is/are required by human body for the contraction of muscles?

Muscle contraction is a complex physiological process requiring multiple minerals. Calcium (Ca2+) is the primary trigger; it is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and binds to troponin, which moves tropomyosin to expose myosin-binding sites on actin filaments [1]. Sodium (Na+) is essential for the initiation of this process, as the entry of sodium ions into the muscle fiber membrane causes depolarization, triggering the action potential necessary for calcium release. While not a direct signaling ion like calcium or sodium, Iron is critical for muscle function as a component of myoglobin, which stores and transports oxygen within muscle cells to sustain aerobic respiration and energy production required for repeated contractions. Therefore, all three minerals—calcium, iron, and sodium—are required for the effective contraction and sustained function of human muscles.

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1. [1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4315934/