Minerals: Macrominerals and Microminerals

Minerals are Inorganic Chemicals More than 18 mineral elements are believed to be essential for mammals. Minerals are divided into two groups: Macrominerals-required in large amts. Microminerals-required in small amts., also known as “trace elements”.

Macrominerals: these minerals account for most of the body’s mineral content and are required in the diet in large amounts.

Phosphorus (P) (Anion) Aids in bone and teeth formation Muscle formation Energy producing nutrient metabolism Energy production Reproduction

Phosphorus Deficiency Decrease appetite Decreased growth Dull hair coat Decreased fertility Spontaneous fractures Rickets ( a disease of young animals; a failure of calcification of osteoid and cartilage of the bones which become bowed and a persistence with enlargement of the epiphyses so that the joints appear swollen. The animals are lame and dentition is delayed.)

Rickets

Phosphorus Excess Bone loss Urinary calculi Calcification of soft tissue Secondary hyperthyroidism

Feline Hyperthyroidism Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal abnormality and is a common disease of aging cats. Hyperthyroidism is a feline disorder affecting multiple body systems due to an overabundance of the thyroid hormone, which increases the metabolism. Because of this increase, the cat's body systems function at an accelerated rate that it may not be able to sustain. As a result, problems with the heart, gastrointestinal tract and kidneys may occur; weight loss, hyperactivity, and increased appetite are classic signs of the disease.

Normal Thyroid Gland Parathyroid Gland Enlarged Thyroid Gland

Calcium (Ca) (Cation) Aids in bone and teeth formation Blood clotting Muscle function Nerve transmission Membrane permeability

Calcium Deficiency Decreased growth Decreased appetite Decreased bone mineralization Lameness Spontaneous fractures, rickets Loose teeth Tetany (steady contraction of a muscle without distinct twitching, continuous spasm) Convulsions

Calcium Excess Decreased feed efficiency Nephrosis (any kidney disease) Lameness Enlarged costochondral (rib/cartilage) junctions Effects bone and cartilage maturation

Calcium Phosphorus Ratio Should be maintained at 1:1 Imbalance of this ratio, such as an increase of phosphorus to calcium, can lead to serious bone malformation. However, nutritional excesses are far more common than deficiencies. High levels of calcium and phosphorus are harmful. They can cause hip dysplasia and Wobbler syndrome.

Potassium (K) (cation) Aids in muscle contraction Transmission of nerve impulses Osmotic balance Energy transfer

Potassium Deficiency Anorexia Decreased growth Lethargy Locomotive problems Hypokalemia Heart and kidney lesions emaciation

Potassium Excess Rare Paresis (slight or incomplete paralysis; does include frequent falling, stumbling) Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Na=cation Cl=anion Aids in maintaining osmotic pressure Transmission of nerve impulses Nutrient uptake Waste excretion Water metabolism

Sodium Chloride Deficiency Inability to maintain water balance Decreased growth Anorexia Fatigue Hair loss

Sodium Chloride Excess Thirst Pruritus (itching) Constipation Seizures Hypertension, and death

Magnesium (Mg) (cation) Component of bone, intercellular fluids Neuromuscular transmission Active component of several enzymes Carbs and lipid metabolism

Magnesium Deficiency Muscle weakness Hyper-irritability Convulsions Anorexia Vomiting Decreased mineralization of bone Calcification of aorta

Magnesium Excess Urinary calculi (crystal aggregations) of dissolved minerals in urine)

Diets Excess macromineral intake can result from feeding large amts of supplements, such as bone meal, or a diet limited to just meat. Most commercial diets are already adequate in macrominerals. But many times it is the owner that over supplements their pet. You as a technician will encounter this situation and must educate owners. Purebred animal hobbyists tend to over supplement.

Just Say No!

Microminerals: also know as trace minerals. These are present in body in small amounts. These minerals are required in small amounts in the diet.

Zinc (Zn) Activator of 200 known enzymes including protein synthesis and carb metabolism, skin and wound healing, immune response, fetal development, and growth rate.

Zinc Deficiency Anorexia Alopecia Impaired reproduction Vomiting Hair depigmentation Conjunctivitis

Zinc Excess Relatively non-toxic, there are reported cases of toxicity due to consumption of pennies.

Manganese (Mn) Activation of enzyme, lipid, and carb metabolism, bone development, reproduction and cell membrane integrity.

Manganese Deficiency Decreased growth (rare in cats and dogs) Impaired reproduction

Manganese Excess Relatively non-toxic

Selenium (Se) Immune function, interacts with vitamins E to help prevent cellular damage.

Selenium Deficiency Muscular dystrophy Reproductive failure Subcutaneous edema Renal mineralization

Selenium Excess Vomiting spasms Staggered gait Salivation Decreased appetite Dyspnea “Garlicky breath” Nail loss

Iodine (I) Aids in thyroid production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Iodine Deficiency Goiter Fetal resorption Rough hair coat Enlarged thyroid glands Alopecia Apathy Myxoedema (A mucinous degeneration with thickening of the skin-hypothyroidism) Lethargy

Iodine Excess Similar to deficiency

Iron (Fe) Aids in activation of O2 and CO2 transport (hemoglobin and myoglobin)

Iron Deficiency Anemia Rough hair coat Listlessness Decreased growth

Iron Excess Anorexia Decreased serum albumin concentrations Hepatic dysfunction What does hepatic mean?

Copper (Cu) Catalyst of hemoglobin formation , cardiac function, cellular respiration, connective tissue development, pigmentation, bone formation, myelin formation, immune function. Copper mineral water

Copper Deficiency Anemia Decreased growth Hair depigmentation Bone lesions Aortic rupture Reproductive failure

Copper Excess Hepatitis and increased liver enzyme activity.

Macrominerals-vs-Microminerals Macrominerals are measured in the diet as a percentage (%). Microminerals are measured in part per million (ppm) or mg/kg. Never just consider the amt of mineral in a food, think about how much of that mineral can be used by the animal. Considerations: solubility, metabolic interaction with other nutrient compounds, signalment of the animal, and the animal’s ability to store the mineral. What does signalment mean?

Macro and micro-minerals Both can interact with each other as either antagonists or synergists. Even the marginal deficiency of one mineral can decrease or alter the efficacy of another!

Antagonist These reactions are defined as the presence of one mineral reducing the transport or efficacy of another. So in other words, one is acting against the other. Most mineral reactions are antagonistic and can occur during processing, digestion, storage, or transport.

Synergists Two minerals reacting in a complimentary fashion by either enhancing biologic function or sparing the other mineral. These guys work together for a good cause.