Which minerals are essential for bone production?

Calcium and phosphorus are crucial minerals for bone production due to their roles in the structure and strength of bone tissue. Calcium is the primary mineral found in bones, making up about 99% of the body's calcium reserve. It provides the necessary rigidity and strength to the bones. Phosphorus works closely with calcium and is vital for forming hydroxyapatite, the mineral compound that gives bones their hardness. Together, they contribute to the bone formation process and help ensure proper bone density and strength, which are essential to maintaining overall skeletal health.

Although the other minerals mentioned in the options play important roles in various bodily functions—like iron in oxygen transport and magnesium in numerous biochemical reactions—they do not have a direct role in the structural integrity of bone like calcium and phosphorus do. Therefore, calcium and phosphorus are specifically recognized as essential minerals for bone production.