Water and Major Minerals Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water Sodium Potassium Chloride Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Sulfur Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water Each of the trillions of cells in the body contains and is surrounded by water. The body has no storage site for water. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water and minerals are involved in many processes in the body. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water In the body: Intracellular and Extracellular Fluid Water accounts for 50 to 75% of the weight of the human body. The intracellular compartment holds two- thirds of the body’s water, with the balance in the extracellular compartment. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Fluid compartments in the body. Total fluid volume is about 10 gallons (40 liters) Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Maintenance of Water Balance Electrolytes dissolved in the body’s water help maintain fluid balance. Water balance is regulated by hormones that act on the kidneys. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Functions of Water Water’s unique chemical properties enable It to dissolve substances and to serve as a medium for chemical reaction, temperature regulation, and lubrication. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water in Foods Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water Needs For adults, daily fluid needs are estimated at 9 cups(women) to 13 cups(men), but temperature, physical exertion, and other factors can greatly affect water requirements. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Estimate of water input vs. water output in a women. We primarily maintain our volume of body fluids by adjusting water output to input. As you can see, most water comes from the liquids we consume. Some comes from the moisture in solid foods and the remainder is manufactured during metabolism. Water output includes losses from the lungs, urine, skin, and feces. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water Deficiency A water deficit results in dehydration. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Water Toxicity Too much water can cause the rare condition of water intoxication and hyponatremia. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Overview of minerals Minerals are divided into the major and trace minerals, depending on the amount needed each day. Generally, if we require 100 mg or more of a mineral daily, it is considered a major mineral, or macromineral; otherwise, it is considered a trace mineral, or micromineral. Major minerals are found in larger quantities in the body than trace minerals. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Approximate amounts of minerals present in the average human body. Some other trace minerals of nutritional importance not shown are selenium, zinc, chromium, fluoride, and molybdenum. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Foods Sources of minerals Animal foods are the best sources of calcium, iron, and zinc. Plant foods are good sources of potassium and magnesium. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Absorption, Transport, and Excretion of minerals The absorption of minerals can be affected by the need for the minerals, the consumption of supplements, and the presence of phytic and oxalic acids. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Spinach often is touted as a rich source of calcium, but little of the calcium present is bioavailable---that is, available to the body. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Function of Minerals Minerals are needed for water balance, the transmission of nerve impulses, and muscle contraction. They function as enzyme cofactor and as components of body tissues. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Mineral Deficiencies Calcium, Potassium, and magnesium intakes fall short of DRI recommendations. Of the trace minerals, iron, zinc, and iodine are most likely to be deficient in diets. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012

Mineral Toxicity Minerals taken in excess can be toxic, particularly trace minerals, such as iron and zinc. Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012