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 Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Sodium Potassium Chloride

Phosphorus and Calcium Deficiency Calcium Phosphorus Ratio 1:1 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.) Webster

Rickets

Secondary Feline Hyperparathyroidism Secondary hyperparathyroidism can be caused by a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D and/or an excess of phosphorus. The parathyroid hormone is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. The parathyroid hormone tries increasing blood calcium levels by causing calcium to be reabsorbed from bone. Phosphorus increases metabolism. Because of this increase, the cat's body systems function at an accelerated rate that it may not be able to sustain.

1.Normal Thyroid Gland 2.Parathyroid Gland 3.Parathyroid Gland 4.Enlarged Thyroid Gland

Calcium Deficiency Tetany (steady contraction of a muscle without distinct twitching, continuous spasm) (Eclampsia)

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.

Microminerals: also know as trace minerals. These are present in body in small amounts. These minerals are required in small amounts in the diet. Iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese.

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.