Essential Minerals in Human Physiology

Study Notes

Sodium: Crucial for maintaining fluid balance in body cells through osmosis.
Calcium: Essential for bone structure, heart rhythm regulation, nerve signal transmission, and muscle contraction.
Phosphate: Plays a key role in transporting compounds and molecules between cells.
Chloride: Contributes to maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid levels throughout the body.
Magnesium: Supports bone and teeth development and is important for nerve and muscle function.
Bicarbonate: Helps regulate the body’s pH level, preventing conditions like alkalosis and acidosis.
Potassium: Vital for heart health, nerve function, muscle contraction, and nutrient transport into and out of cells.

Blood pH: Normal range is between 7.36 and 7.44, essential for metabolic processes.
Sodium Level: Normal serum range is 136 to 144 mmol/L.
Potassium Level: Reference range is between 3.7 to 5.1 mmol/L.
Calcium Level: Adults should maintain levels between 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Chloride Level: Normal serum chloride range is 97 to 105 mmol/L.
Magnesium Level: Typical range is 1.6 to 2.6 mg/dL.
Phosphate Level: Normal range is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL (or 0.81 to 1.45 mmol/L).
Platelet Count: Healthy platelet levels should range from 150,000 to 350,000/µL (150-350 x 10^9/L).