WHAT ARE MINERALS?! About 4% of the body is composed of minerals
Other 96% is water and organic compounds (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen) Minerals vary widely in the amounts the body will absorb and excrete. Some
minerals require the presence of other minerals in the body to function properly.
2 categories
Macrominerals calcium (Ca) phosphorus (P) potassium (K) sodium (Na), sulfur (S) magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl)
Microminerals iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), manganese(Mn), fluorine (F) Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), iodine (I), selenium (Se), c hromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo).
IMPORTANCE OF MINERALS
Minerals are: A part of the structure of all body cells. Components of enzymes, hormones, blood, and
other vital body compounds. Regulators of:
acid–base balance of the body. response of nerves to stimuli. muscle contractions. cell membrane permeability. osmotic pressure and water balance.
CALCIUMFunction •Aids bone and tooth formation.
•Maintains serum calcium levels.•Aids blood clotting.•Aids muscle contraction and relaxation.•Aids transmission of nerve impulses.•Maintains normal heart rhythm.
RDA 19-30 years•Males: 1000 mg/day•Females: 1000 mg/day
Sources •Milk•Cheese•Yogurt
Deficiency •Rickets: childhood disorder of calcium metabolism from a vitamin D deficiency resulting in stunted growth, bowed legs, enlarged joints, especially legs, arms, and hollow chest•Osteomalacia: Adult form of rickets•Osteoporosis•Slow blood clotting•Tetany: deficiency of calcium that causes muscle spasms in legs, arms.
Points •Normally 30 to 40% of dietary calcium is absorbed.•Presence of vitamin D and lactose (milk sugar) enhanceabsorption.•The parathyroid hormone controls regulation.
PHOSPHORUSFunction •Aids bone and tooth formation.
•Maintains metabolism of fat and carbohydrates.•Part of the compounds that act as buffers to control pH of the blood.
RDA 19-30 years•Males: 700 mg/day•Females: 700 mg/day
Sources •Meat Group: cheeses, peanuts, beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs•Milk Group: milk and milk products•Vegetable/Fruit Group: all foods in this group•Grain: wheat, oats, barley, rice
Deficiency
•Rickets•Osteomalacia•Osteoporosis•Slow blood clotting
Points •Phosphorus is more efficiently absorbed than calcium; approximately70% is absorbed. Phos is better absorbed when calcium is present•Diets containing enough protein and calcium will be adequate inphosphorus.Needed in greater amounts during pregnancy
SODIUMFunction •Aids in carbohydrate (glucose) and protein absorption.
•Maintains water balance.•Maintenance of acid-base balance
RDA 19-30 years•Males: 2000 mg/day•Females: 2000 mg/day
Sources •Table salt•Milk and Dairy•Processed foods•Foods that are high in protein are usually food sources of sodium
Deficiency
•Hyponatremia (low serum sodium)•Nausea•Headache
Points •Most Americans consume far more sodium than the RDA.•Often a reduction in intake can be done simply by omitting salt added to food in preparation or at the table.•Elimination of high-salt snack foods and foods preserved in salt also is helpful.
IRONFunction •Plays essential role in formation of hemoglobin.
•Is found in myoglobin, the ironprotein molecule in muscles.
RDA 19-30 years•Males: 8 mg/day•Females: 18 mg/day•Pregnancy and lactation require higher amounts
Sources •Liver, kidneys, lean meats, whole grains, parsley, enriched breads, cereals, legumes, almonds dried fruit: prunes, raisins, apricots
Deficiency
•Iron Deficiency Anemia
Points •Hemoglobin is the main part of the RBC, and carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.•Iron is only absorbed in an acid medium. •Absorption is enhanced by ascorbic acid.•Liver is the main storage site
A LITTLE ABOUT WATER Next to oxygen, water is the most important
nutrient for the body. Lack of water causes the cells to become
dehydrated. A total lack of water can cause death in a few days.
50%-70% of body weight is water What effects water status:
Low carbohydrate intake can increase water loss Much faster than protein
Low protein intake can increase water loss Removing sodium from the diet may result in a small
fluid loss. The body maintains a steady water content
state.
WHERE IS THE WATER IN OUR BODY
ECF, or extracellular fluid (surrounding the cells): 20 to 25% of the body water is outside the cells. ECF includes the vascular system.
ICF, or intracellular fluid (inside the cells): 40 to 45% of the body water is inside the cells. The ICF contains twice as much water as the ECF.
WATER A meaningful discussion of minerals is not possible
without explaining the role of water. A major factor of the internal environment of the
body is the fluid and electrolyte balance. The fluid involved is water, and most of the
electrolytes sodium (Na) potassium (K) Magnesium (Mg) calcium (Ca) chloride (Cl–) sulfate (SO4–), phosphates (HPO4 – and H2PO4)
Muscle tissue is relatively high in water
FUNCTIONS OF WATER
Solvent Component of all body cells, giving structure
and form to the body Body temperature regulator Lubricant Medium for the digestion of food Transport medium for nutrients and waste
products Participant in biological reactions Regulator of acid–base balance
WATER BALANCE Water requirements are dependent upon many
factors Amount of solids in the diet, air humidity, environmental
temperature, type of clothing worn, type of exercise performed, breathing rate.
The human body obtains water from these sources: Beverages Foods Metabolic breakdown of food for use by the body
Water is lost from the body in many ways: Kidneys as urine. From skin as perspiration and small amounts in sweating Lungs in breathing Water is lost in the feces. Certain disease conditions and injury
Diarrhea, burns, and blood losses.
QUESTION!
After learning about all the minerals, and their functions and toxicities,
Do you think they should be regulated by the FDA?
Why or Why not!!