MINERALS Minerals are needed by the body in
MINERALS
Minerals are needed by the body in small amounts to help the body function properly. The body does not make them so they need to be taken inn daily by the diet or through supplements. Minerals are used for 1. Body building 2. Control of body processes 3. An essential part of the body’s fluids
Minerals are divided into two groups Macro minerals Micro minerals Calcium (Ca) Iodine(I) Iron(Fe) Copper(Cu) Phosphorus(P) Manganese(Mn) Potassium(K) Fluorine( F) Sulphur( S) Cobalt(Co) Chlorine (Cl) Nickel(Ni) Sodium (Na) Zinc(Zn) Magnesium(Mg) Chromium(Cr) Selenium (Se)
Calcium Source Milk Diary products Fish Dark green leafy vegetables Function Needed formation and strengthening teeth and bones Blood clotting Muscle and nerve function Secretion of hormones Activate protein which sends messages to regulate blood pressure *Vitamin D and Phosphorus enables the body to absorb calcium Deficiency Symptoms Bone loss (osteopenia) which can lead to osteoporosis. Increase risk of fractures especially in the elderly.
Calcium RDA’s Excess Too much calcium in the body is dangerous and will deposit in the organs such as the kidneys. Excess calcium can also causes constipation and this can affect the absorption of other minerals. Sources
Children
Adults Tetany or tetanic seizure is a medical sign consisting of the involuntary contraction of muscles, which may be caused by disorders that increase the action potential frequency of muscle cells or the nerves that supply them.
Phosphorus Sources Function Meats Works with calcium for bones and teeth Cereals Dairy products Legumes and beans Spinach Sunflower seeds All plant and animal cells –natural foods Essential for the production of energy Deficiency Symptoms Loss of appetite Anxiety Bone pain Maintaining of the correct acid- base in the body Fragile bones Transport lipids in the blood Fatigue Muscle and nerve function Stiff joints Irregular breathing
Phosphorus RDA’s A normal diet will supply sufficient phosphorus for all age groups.
Potassium Function Source Deficiency Symptoms Influences nerve and muscle contraction Fruits Muscle cramping Vegetables and grains Weakness Constipation Bloating and abdominal pain
Sodium Source Function Deficiency Symptoms Many foods Fluid balance Table salt Passing of impulses between neurones (Nerve Cells) Headache Nausea Vomiting Tiredness Muscle spasms Seizures Muscle contraction
Magnesium Sources Nuts Whole grains Green leafy vegetables Function Muscle and nerve function Bones and teeth Symptoms Fatigue Weakness Loss of appetite Nausea Untreated – numbness, tingling in the muscles , seizures and abnormal heart beat
Fluoride Function Sources Deficiency symptoms Important to strengthen teeth against decay by protecting against acids and bacteria found in the mouth. Tea Lack of fluoride leads to increased tooth decay and other dental diseases. Sea water fish Water supply
Fluoride Requirements Excess Minute quantities are required in children to strengthen teeth during development Too much fluoride is harmful as it causes fluorosis which is a discolouration and dark spots on the teeth.
Iodine Source Seafood Vegetables grown in Iron rich soil Salt Function Needed for the production of thyroid hormone Deficiency Goitre which is the enlargement of the thyroid Hypothyroidism symptoms may include extreme fatigue, mental slowing, depression and weight gain.
Iron Source Meat Offal e. g Liver Nuts Egg yolks Dried fruit (raisins and prunes ) Corned beef Watercress Plain chocolate Cocoa Function Deficiency Symptoms Needed for Iron Deficiency haemoglobin(special Type of Anaemia- feeling of protein) production (red blood cells are able to carry weakness, tiredness blood around the body ) and dizziness. Component of Myoglobin (muscle protein)
Requirements
Types of Iron Heme Iron is found only in meat, poultry, seafood, and fish, so heme iron is the type of iron that comes from animal proteins in our diet. Non-heme Iron, by contrast, is found in plant-based foods like grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Absorption inhibitors and enhancers Enhance Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), lactic acid, hydrochloric acid and sugar promotes absorption. Inhibits Phytic acid from grains leafy vegetables and soy protein, oxalates in spinach calcium and phosphorus in milk, tannin in tea coffee and nuts and some fruits and vegetables inhabit the absorption of iron
Special requirements Babies are born with enough iron to last them four months, as milk contains very little Iron. After this time they need to get iron from solids food and mineral drops. Pregnant women Iron intake is increased to develop the babies blood supply. The body usually adjusts to accommodate but some women may need iron supplements
Special requirements Girls and women Injuries and operations The When regular menstrual loss of blood means iron is loss and has to be replaced also after the birth of a baby iron needs to be replaced. blood is lost during an operation or accident blood needs to be replaced.
Home work 1. List five mineral elements needed in large amounts and five trace minerals. 2. List the functions and main sources of Calcium, Iron, Sodium, Chloride, Iodine and Fluoride. 3. What is rickets and what is its connection t Vitamin D. 4. What is phytic acid and what effect does it have on certain mineral elements? 5. What is tetany and what causes it? 6. What is the function of haemoglobin and which minerals elements is connected with it? 7. Why do women, babies and people recovering from injuries require extra iron? 8. Why is it necessary to take salt tablets in hot climates ? 9. Why is it recommended that water supply be fluoridated ? 10. What is a goitre and how is it caused? 11. What is osteoporosis and what are the effects on the body ?
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