Important minerals and their functions
March 12, 2018
|
Minerals |
Function |
Symptoms of deficiency | Minimum daily requirements |
|
Calcium(Ca) |
Bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, muscle activity, and nerve function. | Spontaneous nerve discharge, tetany | 800-1200mg |
|
Chlorine(Cl) |
Blood acid base balance, hydrochloric acid formation in stomach. | Acid- base imbalance | 1.7-5.1 g |
|
Chromium(Cr) |
Associated with enzymes in glucose metabolism. | Development of diabetes, metabolic syndrome | 0.05-0.2 mg |
| Cobalt(Co) | Component of vitamin B12, erythrocyte production. | anemia | |
|
Copper(Cu) |
Hemoglobin and melanin production, electron transport system. | Anemia and loss of energy | 2.0-3.0 mg |
| Fluorine(F) | Provides extra strength in teeth, prevent dental caries. | Tooth decay, osteoporosis | 1.5-4.0 mg |
|
Iodine(I) |
Thyroid hormone production, maintainence of normal metabolic rate. | Decrease of normal metabolism. | 150.0 µg |
|
Iron(Fe) |
Hemoglobin component, ATP production in electron transport system. | Anemia, decrease oxygen transport, and energy loss. | 10 mg in males
15mg in females |
|
Magnesium(Mg) |
Coenzyme constituent, bone formation, muscle and nerve function. | Increased nervous system, irritability, vasodilation, arrythmias | 280-350 mg |
| Manganese(Mn) | Haemoglobin synthesis, growth, activation of several enzymes. | Tremors and convulsions | 2.5-5.0 mg |
| Molybdenum(Mo) | Enzyme component | Seizures, opisthotonus, lens dislocation | 0.15-5.0 mg |
| Phosphorous(P) | Bone and teeth formation, important in energy transfer, component of nucleic acids. | Loss of energy and cellular function. | 800-1200 mg |
|
Potassium(K) |
Muscle and nerve function | Muscle weakness, abnormal electrocardiogram, and alkaline urine. | 1.8-5.6 g |
| Selenium(Se) | Component of many enzymes | Mental slowing, goiter, cretinism. | 55-70 µg |
|
Sodium(Na) |
Osmotic pressure regulation, nerve and muscle function | Nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and dizziness | 1.1-3.3 g |
| Sulfur(S) | Component of hormones, several vitamins and proteins | Reduced protein synthesis | 800-900 mg |
|
Zinc(Zn) |
Component of several enzymes, CO2 transport and metabolism, protein synthesis. | Deficient carbon-dioxide transport and deficient protein metabolism. | 15 mg |
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References:
i) https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ta3912
ii) https://medlineplus.gov/minerals.html
iii) https://www.medicinenet.com/13_essential_minerals/article.htm
Important minerals and their functions
About The Author
Shailesh Koirala
I am Shailesh Koirala