How do minerals maintain acid-base balance?

Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance primarily by neutralizing acids and bases in the body. They act as buffers, which means they can help stabilize pH levels by combining with excess hydrogen ions in acids or releasing them in the presence of bases. This buffering action is vital for keeping bodily fluids at a balanced pH, essential for normal cellular functions.

For instance, minerals such as bicarbonate, phosphate, and proteins can bind hydrogen ions, thus reducing acidity. Conversely, when the body becomes too alkaline, these minerals can release hydrogen ions to increase acidity, thereby helping to bring the pH back to its optimal range. This regulation is crucial for various physiological processes, including enzyme function and metabolic activities.

In contrast, the other options do not correctly relate to the mechanism by which minerals maintain acid-base balance. While energy production and neurotransmitter activity are important physiological functions, they do not directly pertain to the regulation of pH in the body. The role of minerals through chemical reactions is too broad and does not specifically highlight the buffering action that is central to maintaining acid-base balance.