Minerals

Dr. Betty J. Larson, LRD, FADA

Objectives

• Identify the essential minerals for human nutrition

• Identify the function of each mineral in human nutrition.

• Identify the significant sources for each mineral.

Minerals in Human Nutrition

• When we list a mineral as a required nutrient it is the pure element rather than an organic compound like we discussed in the vitamin unit.

Characteristics of the Minerals

• It is the element that is essential rather than an organic compound as we examined in the vitamin unit.

• Minerals perform vital functions– Enzymes– Body compounds– Electrolytes– Growth and development

• Deficiency symptoms develop when minerals are not available in the diet.

• They are required in very small amounts.• Quantity of a mineral in the body is controlled by:

– Amount absorbed– Amount excreted– Skin loss

• Greater quantities of minerals in foods of animal origin.• Bioavailability

• Minerals are classified as macromineral or major minerals if the requirement is 100 mg or more.

• Minerals are classified as microminerals or trace minerals if the requirement is less than 100 mg.

• There is a safe range of intake for the minerals just like for the vitamins.

• Minerals interact with each other and with vitamins.

What minerals are you aware of as nutrients and what do you

know about them?

What minerals do you want to learn more about?

Minerals in Human Nutrition

• Calcium• Phosphorus• Magnesium• Sulfur• Chloride• Sodium• Potassium• Iron

• Iodine• Zinc• Copper• Selenium• Fluoride• Chromium• Molybdenum• Cobalt

Minerals in Human Nutrition

• Nickel• Vanadium• Arsenic• Boron

• Possibly also:– Lithium

– Silicon

– Tin

– Cadmium

Quantity of minerals in an average 70 kg human

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200Calcium

Phosphorus

Sulfur

Potassium

Sodium

Chloride

Magnesium Iron

Copper

Iodide

Manganese

Grams

Percent of body weight for specific minerals

• Calcium 1.5-2.2• Phosphorus.8-1.2• Potassium .35• Sulfur .25• Sodium .15• Chloride .05• Magnesium.05• Iron .004

• Manganese .0003• Copper .00015• Iodide .00004

Mineral Function• Minerals that are involved in Acid-Base Balance

Acid Base

Chloride Sodium

Sulfur Potassium

Phosphorus Magnesium

Calcium

• Acid Foods Base Foods Neutral Foods

Meats Fruits Milk Fats

Eggs Vegetables Sugar Oils

Cereals Nuts Starch

Minerals that become part of our body compounds

• Iodine• Iron• Chlorine• Copper• Molybdenum• Zinc

Minerals required for transmission of nerve impulses

• Sodium• Potassium• Calcium

Maintenance of Fluid Balance

• Sodium• Potasssium

Minerals that are required for muscle contraction

• Potassium• Sodium• Calcium• Magnesium

Minerals that are required for growth

• Calcium• Phosphorus• Magnesium• Iron

Phosphorus• Functions

– All biological reactions require ATP– Phospholipid component of cell membranes– Important in pH regulation– Essential compounds such as phospholipids

• Sources: protein foods, phytates, additives, SODA

• Toxicity: An issue with renal patients

Phosphorus

• Calcium and Phosphorus should appear in the diet in a ratio of 2:1 for optimal absorption of calcium. Since we have a high soda intake our current ratio is calcium to phosphorus of 1:1.6

Magnesium• Function

– Catalyst in biological reactions where energy is expended to facilitate the transfer of phosphorus

– Create environment for conduction of nerve impulses and muscle contraction

– Over 300 enzyme reactions.

Sources: green foods, vegetableslegumes, seafood, nuts, cereals.

Deficiency: Possible for clients ondiuretics due to losses.

Sulfur

• Found in every cell• Amino Acids:

cysteine, methionine• Function:

metabolism, blood clots, transfer energy, part of vitamins, detoxify, collagen synthesis.

FDA restrictions onsulfur due to allergies.

Iodine• Minute Amount

required (1 microg/kg)• 3/4 of iodide in the

body is in the thyroid• Thyroxin

– Regulator of growth and development

– Synthesis of protein

– Synthesis of cholesterol

– Conversion of carotene

Deficiency: Goiter, Cretin

Evaluation of Iodine Status:

MyxedemaGrave’s Disease

Sources of Iodine in the Adult Diet

0

10

20

30

40

50

60Dairy

Meat

Beverages

Oils

Potatoes

Miscellaneous

Percent

Copper as a Mineral• Function: (Enzymes)

– Aid iron absorption– Stimulate synthesis of heme– Release stored iron– Synthesis of phospholipids– Ctochrome oxidase– Tyrosine to melanin (albinism)

• Deficiency: Menke’s Kinky Hair Syndrome, microcytic anemia

• Toxicity: Wilson’s Disease

Sources of Copper

> 8 ppm 2-8 ppm < 2 ppm Liver Shell Fish Nuts Cocoa Cherries Mushrooms Whole-Grain Cereals Gelatin

Leafy Veg Eggs Meat Fish Poultry Peas/Beans Refined Cereals

Milk Butter Cheese Sugar Fresh Fruits/Veg

> 8 ppm 2-8 ppm < 2 ppm

Liver Leafy Vegetables MilkShellfish Eggs ButterNuts Meat CheeseCocoa Fish SugarCherries Poultry Fresh Fruits/Mushrooms Peas/Beans VegetablesWhole-Grain Cereals Refined CerealsGelatin

Chromium• Essential Mineral

• Important in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

• Important in blood glucose maintenance

• Part of glucose tolerance factor that enhances insulin action

• Sources: Unrefined food, liver, whole grains, nuts, cheese

Chloride

• Part of HCL in the stomach

• Significant for conduction of nerve impulses

• Source is table salt

• Clients with prolonged vomiting show unusual chloride and other electrolyte levels.

Potassium

• Functions:– Catalyst– Osmotic Pressure– Maintain acid-base balance– Transmit nerve impulses– Muscle relaxant

Deficiency occurs in diarrhea, vomiting, diuretics

Sources: Potatoes, bananas, orange juice

Selenium

Selenium is a cofactor for activity of glutathione peroxidase. It therefore reduces the need for Vitamin E.

Free Radical Harmless Glutathione Peroxidase Alcohol + water

Cell Damage

Vitamin E Neutralizes FreeRadicalX

Selenium Content of Food

• Dietary Intake in Microgram/day

– New York 46

– Iowa 278

– Nebraska 313

– South Dakota 521

• Content of Pork Muscle in Microgram/Day

125

800

1140

1700

Manganese

• Necessary for normal skeletal and connective tissue development

• Acts as a catalyst or as part of enzymes

• Estimated requirement 2.5-5 mg.

Fluoride

• CA OH CA

• CA FL CA

• Modal Teeth