Minerals and Trace Elements in Human Body

Cupro-enzymes and Copper

• Some examples of cupro-enzymes are cytochrome oxidase, superoxide dismutase, ceruloplasm, tyrosinase, and dopamine beta-oxidase.
• Copper increases iron absorption and HDL levels, which protects the heart.
• Copper toxicity can lead to hemolysis, hemoglobinnuria, proteinuria, and renal failure.
• Deficiency in copper is rare in adults but can occur in preterm infants, causing anemia, bone demineralization, fragility of large blood vessels, and skin pigmentation.
• Copper can be found in cereals, milk, eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruits, with a recommended daily intake of 2.0mg.

Iodine

• The human body contains about 15-20mg of iodine, with 80% found in the thyroid gland.
• Iodine is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for growth and development.
• Iodine deficiency can cause goiter (swollen thyroid gland), decreased IQ in children, hypothyroidism, mental disturbances, and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism.
• Iodine deficiency makes people more susceptible to radiation effects.
• Goitrogenic factors, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and radish, can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, leading to a condition similar to iodine deficiency.
• Iodine-rich sources include nuts, legumes, pears, whole grains, fish, meat, and green leafy vegetables, with a recommended daily intake of 300-350mg.

Potassium

• The human body contains about 250mg of potassium, with most of it found inside cells and the remaining in extracellular fluid.
• Potassium is required for maintaining plasma volume, bile salt formation, and the activity of Na+/K+ ATPase.
• It is also necessary for glycogen storage in the liver and muscle, and for growth and development.
• Potassium plays a crucial role in heart muscle contraction and nerve and muscle functions.
• Deficiency in potassium is rare, but hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can occur in conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, prolonged use of diuretics, and insulin treatment.
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can occur in renal failure and severe dehydration.
• Symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscular weakness, heart enlargement, and paralysis.
• Potassium-rich sources include oil seeds, eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruits, with a recommended daily intake of 2.3g.

Chloride

• The human body contains about 120-150mg of chloride, which is present in major body fluids, soft tissues, and erythrocytes.
• Chloride is the major extracellular anion in most cells.
• It is required for the secretion of HCl in gastric juice and for maintaining electrical neutrality in erythrocytes and other cells.
• Chloride is also involved in maintaining plasma volume.
• Deficiency in chloride is rare, but hypochloremia (low chloride levels) can occur in conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, pyloric obstruction, cholera, and AIDS.
• Symptoms of chloride deficiency include muscular spasms.
• Chloride-rich sources include pulses, milk, meat, eggs, and salted foods, with a recommended daily intake of 1.5-3.5g.

Phosphorus

• The human body contains about 500-700g of phosphorus, which is present in bones, teeth, and cell membranes.
• Phosphorus is an important constituent of blood buffer, high-energy compounds like ATP, and nucleic acid.
• It is involved in the modification and activation of several enzymes and cellular proteins.
• Phosphorus is required for the synthesis of nucleoside co-enzymes, DNA, and RNA.
• Deficiency in phosphorus occurs due to impaired absorption and/or excessive loss through the kidney.
• Serum level of phosphorus is 3-4mg/dl in normal adults and 5-6mg/dl in children.
• Phosphorus-rich sources include milk, cereals, nuts, eggs, and meats, with a recommended daily intake of 200-300mg.

Zinc

• The human body contains about 2-3g of zinc, with 60% found in skeletal muscle and 30% in bones.
• Zinc is involved in many biological processes, including metabolism, gene expression, and immune function.
• Zinc deficiency can cause diseases like impaired growth, impaired wound healing, and impaired immune function.
• Zinc-rich sources include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and cereals, with a recommended daily intake of 10-15mg.

Magnesium

• The human body contains about 25g of magnesium, with 60% found in bones and 30% found in skeletal muscle.
• Magnesium is the activator of many enzymes requiring ATP, and is involved in carbohydrate, nucleotide, nucleic acid, and amino acid metabolism.
• Magnesium is also involved in protein synthesis, muscle activation, and other biological processes like hormone receptor binding, gating of calcium channels, and neurotransmitter release.
• Deficiency in magnesium can cause symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramps.
• Magnesium-rich sources include dark leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, with a recommended daily intake of 300-400mg.