Which mineral is considered the most essential for human life?

Water is often regarded as the most essential component for human survival, and while it is not a mineral in the traditional sense, it is crucial for countless physiological processes. The human body is composed of approximately 60% water, and it plays a vital role in regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, and facilitating cellular functions. Without adequate water intake, dehydration can rapidly cause serious health issues, affecting nearly every system in the body.

In contrast, while minerals such as iron, calcium, and sodium are important for various bodily functions—like oxygen transport, bone health, and fluid balance—none can sustain life in the same immediate and critical way that water can. Even short-term deprivation of water leads to pronounced adverse effects, whereas deficiencies in specific minerals may take longer to manifest and can often be managed over time with dietary adjustments. Therefore, the central role of water in maintaining overall health and supporting life reaffirms its status as the most essential substance for human existence.