Selenium is a mineral that keeps your thyroid working properly and boosts the health of your immune system. It also works as an antioxidant, which means that it destroys free radicals -- harmful chemicals that are produced by your body in response to aging, pollution and other environmental contaminants. You need 55 micrograms of selenium each day. A 3-ounce serving of pink salmon contains about 44 micrograms of selenium and the same amount of salmon supplies about 36 micrograms. Wild Atlantic and sockeye salmon provide similar amounts.

Because salmon is an ocean animal, it naturally contains a small amount of sodium. Pink salmon contains the most with 343 milligrams per 3-ounce serving. A 3-ounce serving of wild Atlantic salmon has 48 milligrams, and the same amount of coho salmon contains 45 milligrams. Three ounces of sockeye salmon has 114 milligrams of sodium. You need some sodium in your diet to keep your nervous system working well, but the average diet contains far too much. When you eat too much sodium, you're at an increased risk of heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Healthy adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.

Phosphorus is a mineral that works alongside calcium to build and maintain your bones and teeth. It also plays a role in the function of your kidneys, heart and nerves. You need 700 milligrams of phosphorus a day. A 3-ounce serving of wild Atlantic salmon contains 218 milligrams.

You need 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day to support the function of your muscles and to keep your heart beating normally. Potassium also promotes healthy digestion and a strong skeleton. Salmon supplies a good amount of this essential mineral. Salmon patties are usually made with canned pink salmon. A patty made with 3 ounces of pink salmon supplies about 300 milligrams of potassium.

The amount of potassium and protein in salmon depends on what type of the fish you're eating. All salmon contain the two nutrients, though. A 3-ounce serving of wild Atlantic salmon contains 21.6 grams of protein and 534 milligrams of potassium, and the same portion of coho salmon has 23.3 grams of protein and 387 milligrams of potassium. Three ounces of sockeye salmon contains 21.6 grams of protein and 347 milligrams of potassium.