Mineral toxicity is a condition in which the concentration in the body of any one of the minerals is abnormally high and results in an adverse effect on health. Mineral nutrients are the inorganic elements or inorganic molecules that are required for life. The inorganic nutrients in human nutrition include water, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, sulfate, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium, and molybdenum.

In general, mineral toxicity results when there is an accidental consumption of too much of a mineral, as with drinking ocean water (sodium toxicity); taking too much of a mineral supplement (available in most drug and health stores); or with overexposure to industrial pollutants, household chemicals, or certain drugs. Mineral toxicity may also apply to toxicity that can be the result of certain diseases or injuries. For example, hemochromatosis leads to iron toxicity; Wilson's disease results in copper toxicity; severe...