dont get your questioWhile most nutritional authorities agree that there are seven major or macrominerals, there are differences of opinion as to the number of trace minerals that are considered essential. For instance, in a pamphlet titled, “The Benefits of Nutritional Supplements” written for the Council of Responsible Nutrition, author Annette Dickinson, Ph.D., includes molybdenum as an essential trace mineral. However, MedlinePlus does not. Going by Dr. Dickinson's account, this would place the total number of minerals considered to be essential at 16.n