Minerals and Their Functions in the Body

Muscle Contraction and Nerve Transmission

• Calcium ions play a crucial role in muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

Principal Positively Charged Ion

• Potassium (K+) is the principal positively charged ion within the body’s cells.

Extracellular Fluid Ion

• Sodium (Na+) acts as the primary positive ion in extracellular fluid, important for fluid and electrolyte balance.

Common Electrolyte Imbalance

• Hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte imbalance, often stemming from excessive losses rather than insufficient intake.

Potassium Deficiency Risks

• A deficiency in potassium can lead to heart failure, particularly during fasting or severe diarrhea.

Diets and High Blood Pressure

• Diets high in sodium are linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

Sodium in Table Salt

• Sodium constitutes 40% of the composition of table salt (NaCl).

Electrolyte Loss Consequences

• Excessive losses of bicarbonate can result in conditions such as diabetic acidosis, dehydration, or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.

Stroke Risk and Electrolytes

• Potassium appears to reduce the risk of stroke, beyond just its ability to lower blood pressure.

Ion Deficiency

• There is no known diet in humans that lacks chloride (Cl-).

Main Role of Calcium

• Calcium primarily supports bone health and is essential for various bodily functions.

Mineral Requirements

• Phosphorus is a mineral found in amounts exceeding 5 grams in the body, required in quantities greater than 100 mg/day.

Consequences of Low Calcium Intake

• Low calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones.

Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency

• Symptoms associated with calcium deficiency include brittle bone structure, increased fracture risk, and muscle spasms.

Childhood Condition Impacts

• Osteoporosis is often referred to as "a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences," highlighting early risk factors leading to later life issues.

Function of Trace Minerals

• Trace minerals primarily function as cofactors for enzymes and are essential for various physiological processes.

Mineral Quantities

• Iron is a trace mineral required in amounts less than 5 grams and less than 100 mg/day for proper functioning.

Major Sources of Calcium

• Major dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.

Risk Implications

• Insufficient bone calcium increasing the risk of osteoporosis implies a need for early preventive measures to ensure lifelong bone health.

Calcium and Cancer Risk

• The correlation between low calcium intake and an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer suggests that calcium plays a protective role in digestive health.

Test your knowledge about the various functions of minerals in the body, including major and trace minerals. Learn about the essential nutrients, naturally occurring properties, and roles of minerals such as calcium and iron.