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Minerals

metals with electrical charges, not separate molecules; are inorganic and non-caloric because they do not contain carbons. The body must be efficient in balancing minerals because excess of one can cause an imbalance of another, leading to disease.

SOURCES OF MINERALS A. Major: > 100mg / day a. Calcium b. Chloride c. Magnesium d. Phosphorous e. Potassium f. Sodium B. Trace Minerals: < 100mg / day a. Chromium b. Flouride c. Lithium d. Molybdenum e. Sulfur f. Cobalt g. Iodine h. Manganese i. Nickel j. Tin k. Copper l. Iron m. Selenium n. Zinc y Digestion o Like vitamins, minerals are not digested but released from food during the digestive process, making them available for use in the body s many metabolic functions. Bioavailability o Means that a mineral is available for the body to use for metabolic functions. Increasing intake of one mineral can affect how others get absorbed as they compete with each other s bioavailability. o Ex. Increased intake of Zinc affect absorption of copper;

Regulators of Body Fluids For controlling water balance pumping action that maintains homeostasis (water balance w/in and out of the cell).

For Tissue Synthesis Iron, Calcium, Magnesium teeth, bones, blood Zinc Synthesis of eye pigment needed for night vision and formation of collagen tissue.

Energy Metabolism Phosphorous precipitates energy metabolism and is part of lipoproteins w/c transport lipid in blood.

Essential Cofactors in Chemical Reaction Copper and iron work together to aid in the synthesis of haemoglobin. y

Facilitators in the Antioxidant Process Selenium and sulphur work in tandem with Vit. C and E bonding with free oxygen radicals to avoid cell destruction.

Increased intake of Calcium alter absorption of Iron. o PHYLATES AND OXYLATES  Found in certain foods bind with minerals and prevent their absorption.  Found in fiber and bind with zinc.  Oxylates are found in leafy greens and bind with calcium. Mineral Deficiency o Lactose intolerant deficiency in Calcium o Severe caloric restricted diets anorexia nervosa, deficiency in potassium o Monthly blood loss deficiency in iron o Vegans deficiency in zinc Mineral Excess o Ingesting an excess of minerals can have a toxic effect on the body, although potentially toxic minerals are less absorbable then those with a low potential for toxicity.

o Located in the ICF o RDI = 2000mg / day Diuretics o For patients with hypertension; lowers blood pressure. o Prolonged use may cause loss of potassium.

MINERALS FOR ENERGY METABOLISM Phosphorous, Magnesium, Iodine, Manganese, Chromium

 Sodium o Positively-charged o Located in the ECF o RDI average = 2000mg / tsp / day o Deficiency and Excess hypertension  Chloride o Located in the ECF o Maintains body s fluid balance o RDI = 750mg / day  Potassium o Positively-charged

 Phosphorous o 80% stored in the bones and teeth o Acts as enzyme in energy metabolism and protein synthesis and is necessary for muscle contraction. o Deficiency - can happen if a person consumes antacids.  Magnesium o 60% in bones and teeth o 39% in soft tissues o 1% in the ECF  Iodine o Part of hormone thyroxine that regulates our pace of work and mental development. o Deficiency and Excess goiter and myxedemia.  Manganese o Needed for many enzyme reactions o Also helps metabolize carbohydrates and assists in synthesizing bones in the inner ear.  Chromium o Essential for glucose and energy metabolism.

Cofactor in insulin production and needed uptake of insulin by cell membranes. Deficiency and Excess may resemble diabetes in that it results in poor glucose tolerance Seen more in patients on IV feedings.

o o

Non-heme: iron from plants Deficiency and Excess wellconserved in the body because kidneys will not excrete it.

MINERALS NEEDED FOR TISSUE SYNTHESIS Calcium, Flouride, Zinc

 Calcium o Most abundant mineral  Zinc o Assists in protein metabolism synthesizing DDNA during cell division and development of pigment needed for night vision. o In immune responses and with insulin storage in the pancreas. o Involved in taste and smell sensitivity and helps with wound healing. o Deficiency and Excess anorexia, slow tissue repair, night blindedness, mental lethargy, and a loss of taste and smell. MINERALS NEEDED FOR RBC SYNTHESIS Iron, Copper

 Copper o Aids in absorption of iron, works to synthesize hemoglobin. o Also needed for regulating blood lipid levels and assists with collagen formation and nerve function. o Can be depleted during bleedin from any cause. Ex. Menstruation, bleeding, ulcer, extreme wound. ANTIOXIDANTS Selenium, Sulfur

 Iron o

20% stored in bone marrow, liver and the spleen to act as a reserve in times of iron depletion. Heme: iron from animals

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