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Minerals
The metabolic roles of minerals and the amounts of them
in the body vary considerably. Some minerals, such as copper
and selenium, work as cofactors, which by definition enable
enzymes to function. Minerals also contribute to
important body comp9ounds. For example, iodine is a component
of the hormone thyroxine that comes from the thyroid
gland. Iron is a component of hemoglobin in red blood
cells. At all levels - cellular, tissue, organ, and
whole body - minerals clearly play important roles in
maintaining body functions.
Sodium (Na)
The human body absorbs almost all sodium that gets
eaten. This sodium then becomes the major positive ion
in extracellular fluid and a key factor for retaining body
water. Fluid balance throughout the body depends
partly on varied sodium and other electrolyte concentrations
among the water-containing compartments in the body. Sodium ions also function in nerve impulse conduction and
absorption of some nutrients (for example,
glucose).
A low sodium diet - coupled with excessive perspiration,
persistent vomiting, or diarrhea - has the ability to
deplete the body of sodium. This state can lead to
muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and later to
shock and coma.
Potassium (K)
Potassium performs many of the same functions as sodium,
such as fluid balance and nerve impulse transmission. However, it operates inside, rather than outside, cells.
Intracellular fluids - those inside cells - contain 95% of
the potassium in the body. Also, unlike sodium,
potassium is associated with lower rather than higher blood
pressure values. We absorb about 90% of the potassium
we eat.
Low blood potassium is life-threatening problem. Symptoms often include a loss of appetite muscle cramps,
confusion, and constipation. Eventually, the heart
beats irregularly, decreasing its capacity to pump
blood.
Chloride (Cl)
In our bodies, chloride - an ion form of chlorine - forms
an important negative ion for the extracellular fluid.
These ions are a component of the hydrochloric acid produced
in the stomach and are also used during immune responses as
white blood cells attack foreign cells. In addition,
nerve function relies on the presence of
chloride.
Frequent and lengthy bouts of vomiting - if coupled with
a nutrient - poor diet - can contribute to a deficiency,
because stomach secretions contain much chloride. During the
late 1970, insufficient chloride added to a brand of infant
formula caused severe convulsions and other health problems
in the infants who consumed it. This incident showed
what can happen when the need for a nutrient normally
abundant in our diet is not given adequate
attention.
Calcium (Ca)
Forming and maintaining bones are calcium's major roles
in the body. Calcium is essential for blood clotting
and for muscle contraction. If the blood calcium level
falls below a critical point, muscles cannot relax after
contraction; the body stiffens and shows signs of tetany.
In nerve transmission, calcium works to
release chemical messengers and permits the flow of ions in
and out of nerve cells. Without sufficient calcium,
nerve function fails, opening another path to tetany. Finally, calcium helps regulate cellular metabolism by
influencing the activities of various enzymes and hormonal
responses.
Phosphorus (P)
Although no disease is currently associated with a poor
phosphorus intake, a deficiency may contribute to bone loss
in elderly women. The body absorbs phosphorus quite efficiently,
about 70% of dietary intake. Phosphorus is a component
of enzymes, other key metabolic compounds (many of which are
involved in energy metabolism), DNA (genetic material), cell membranes,
and bone. About 85% of the body's phosphorus is inside
bone. The remaining phosphorus circulates freely in
the bloodstream and functions inside cells.
Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is important or nerve and heart function and
aids many enzyme reactions. It is found mostly in the
plant pigment chlorophyll, where it functions in
respiration. We normally absorb about 30% to 40% of
the magnesium in our diets, but absorption efficiency can
increase up to about 80% if intakes are low. the
active vitamin D hormone appears to enhance magnesium
absorption.
Bone contains 60% of the body's magnesium. The
reset circulates in the blood and operates inside
cells. Over 200 enzymes use magnesium, and many
energy-yielding compounds in cells require magnesium to
function properly.
Sulfur (S)
Sulfur is found in many important compounds in the body,
such as some amino acids (like methionine) and the vitamins
biotin and thiamin. Sulfur helps in the balance of
acids and bases in the body and is an important part of the
liver's drug-detoxifying pathways. Because proteins
supply the sulfur we need, sulfur is naturally a part of
healthful diet. Sulfur compounds are also used to
preserve foods.
(The nutrition information is referred to Contemporary
Nutrition by Gordon M. Wardlaw, third edition, 1997)
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