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| Dietary Minerals | Minerals are natural compounds that appear as a result of geological processes. People should consume minerals are in small quantities to maintain good functions of the body and good health. Usually, 25 minerals are required for the maintainance of good health, 16 of them get into the body through the diet. Minerals are available in food. They are inorganic substances.
There are such groups of minerals as main minerals and trace minerals. Main minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and chlorine should be included in the diet in the quantity of 100 milligrams (mg) or more for daily usage. They are available in all cells of the body, they demand proper functioning of the body. The lack of minerals can be dangerous. Microminerals such as iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc, and molybdenum are necessary in very small quantities, less than 100mg a day.
Minerals are inactive chemical elements. They are required to build tissues and for muscle contractions, nerve reactions, and blood clotting. They maintain acid-base balance, keep the body pH neutral and regulate body processes, such as in enzyme systems. They provide nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Minerals can release energy from food. Calcium and phosphorous are responsible for bone structure and growth; potassium and sodium for electrolyte balance and iron helps to transport oxygen. Iron carries oxygen to the cells of the body. Chromium is used in the production of energy from fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Copper is necessary for proper apply of iron in the body. Iodine is responsible for proper physical and mental development. Magnesium maintains muscles, nerves and bones. Manganese produces enzymes required for the metabolism of proteins and fat. Phosphorus is used for better stimulation of growth. Potassium together with sodium maintain the body's water balance. Selenium is incorporated into necessary for many important biochemical reactions.
Dietary minerals are necessary for the maintainance of physical health. If there is very low level of blood calcium, one can observe hypocalcaemia. The lack of calcium and hormonal levels can lead to osteoporosis. The lack of chromium can influence the effectiveness of insulin in regulating sugar balance.
The lack of iodine and other micronutrients can influence IQ. The defiency of iron causes unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, reduced physical activity and problems with education among both children and adults. The defiency of magnesium leads to low levels of calcium in the blood known as hypocalcemia. The defiency of dietary manganese and manganese in blood or tissue can cause chronic illnesses. The defiency of potassium deficiency can lead to problems caused with the formation of connective tissue and can make normally strong body tissue vulnerable. The lack of zinc causes immune dysfunction and slow growth, cognitive function, and hormonal function.
Excessive intake of a dietary mineral causes various diseases. The excessive use of calcium leads to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination, kidney toxicity, confusion and irregular heart rhythm. The excessive use of iodine leads to the appearance of thyroid papillary cancer. The excessive use of dietary iron is toxic, because it can produce free radicals in the body. The excessive use of magnesium causes heart problems or damages an inability to breathe. high intake of molybdenum can alter the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The excessive use of much phosphate causes diarrhea and calcification (hardening) of organs and soft tissue and can hinder the body's ability to apply iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Too much potassium in the blood is defined as hyperkalemia. Too much selenium in blood leads to selenosis. Too much taken zinc causes problems with iron function and the immune system disorder.
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