What do the roots found in "mineral/o" refer to?

The root "mineral/o" is specifically associated with minerals and electrolytes. Minerals are inorganic substances that play vital roles in various bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and bone health. Electrolytes, which include minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium, are crucial for maintaining the electrical gradients essential for cellular activity and the overall homeostasis of the body.

This root thus distinctly points to the components that contribute to the biochemical and physiological processes within the body rather than to vitamins, proteins, or carbohydrates. Vitamins are organic compounds essential for metabolic processes, while proteins are made up of amino acids and are required for tissue building and repair. Carbohydrates primarily serve as a source of energy. Therefore, the association of "mineral/o" with minerals and electrolytes aligns with its role in medicine and health care contexts.