MINERALS
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
INTRODUCTION
Minerals are naturally
occurring, inorganic substances. They are found in soil and rocks and are absorbed by plants, which are
then consumed by animals and humans.
There are two types
of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals,
which are required in larger amounts, include
calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Trace minerals,
which are needed in smaller amounts, include
iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, manganese, and chromium.
FUNCTIONS OF MINERALS
Minerals
play a variety of important functions in the body, including:
1.
Bone and teeth formation: Minerals such
as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are essential for the formation and
maintenance of strong bones and teeth.
2.
Muscle function: Minerals such as
calcium and potassium are involved in muscle contraction and relaxation.
3.
Nerve function: Minerals such as sodium,
potassium, and calcium play important roles in nerve function and
communication.
4.
Fluid balance: Minerals such as sodium,
potassium, and chloride help maintain the balance of fluids in the body.
5.
Blood clotting: Minerals such as calcium
are involved in the process of blood clotting.
6.
Oxygen transport: Minerals such as iron are
involved in the transport of oxygen in the blood.
7.
Hormone regulation: Minerals such as
iodine and selenium are involved in the regulation of hormones.
DEFICIENCY DISEASES
1.
Iron
deficiency: Iron deficiency can cause anemia, a condition in which the body
does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Symptoms
of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
2.
Calcium deficiency: Calcium deficiency
can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and
weak, increasing the risk of fractures.
3.
Iodine deficiency: Iodine deficiency can
cause goiter, a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, as well
as hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce
enough hormones.
4.
Zinc deficiency: Zinc deficiency can
lead to delayed wound healing, skin lesions, hair loss, and impaired immune
function.
5.
Magnesium deficiency: Magnesium
deficiency can cause muscle cramps, tremors, and arrhythmias, as well as
fatigue and weakness.
6.
Potassium deficiency: Potassium
deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heartbeats.
7.
Selenium deficiency: Selenium deficiency
can lead to muscle pain and weakness, as well as an increased risk of certain
types of cancer.
8.
Copper deficiency: Copper deficiency can
cause anemia, osteoporosis, and neurological problems, such as numbness and
tingling in the hands and feet.
RECOMMENDED DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
1.
Calcium: The recommended dietary
allowance (RDA) of calcium for adults aged 19-50 is 1000 mg/day, while for
those aged 51 and older, it is 1200 mg/day. Pregnant and lactating women
require higher amounts of calcium (1000-1300 mg/day).
2.
Phosphorus: The RDA of phosphorus for
adults is 700 mg/day, with a slightly higher requirement for pregnant and
lactating women (750-1250 mg/day).
3.
Iron: The RDA for iron is 8-18 mg per day for adults, depending
on gender and age. Women of childbearing age require higher amounts (18 mg per
day) to compensate for menstrual losses.
4.
Sodium: The adequate intake (AI) of
sodium for adults is 1500 mg/day. However, the upper limit of sodium intake
should not exceed 2300 mg/day.
5.
Chloride: The AI for chloride for adults
is 2300 mg/day.