Chapter 12 & 13 THE MINERALS

The Minerals - An Overview Inorganic elements Retain their chemical identity in the body Can be toxic if taken in excess Variable bioavailability Binders that prevent absorption Phytates Oxalates Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

The Minerals

Sodium Chief functions in the body -Principal extracellular cation Maintains normal fluid and electrolyte balance Assists in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Sodium 1989 estimated minimum requirement for adults: 500 mg/day Daily Value (used on food labels): 2400 mg/day Sources: -Table salt: 1 tsp. NaCl=~2 gm Na -Large amounts in processed or cured foods -Soy sauce -Moderate amounts in meats, milks, breads, and vegetables

Sodium Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Sodium Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptoms Muscle cramps, mental apathy, loss of appetite Toxicity symptoms Edema, acute hypertension High intake may contribute to high blood pressure High intake also associated with calcium/bone loss (osteoporosis) Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Potassium Principal intracellular cation Chief functions in the body Maintains normal fluid and electrolyte balance Regulates acid-base balance Facilitates many reactions Supports cell integrity Assists in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions (especially heart) Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Potassium 1989 estimated minimum requirement for adults:2000 mg/day Recommendation: 3500 mg/day Significant sources All whole foods Meats, milks, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes Salt substitutes Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Potassium Deficiency-usually results from excessive losses due to diabetic acidosis, dehydration, prolonged N/V, certain medications (diuretics, cathartics, steroids) Symptoms: Muscular weakness Paralysis Confusion Associated with high blood pressure Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Potassium Toxicity-unlikely unless supplement abuse or kidney disease Symptoms Muscular weakness Vomiting If given into a vein, can stop the heart

Calcium Most abundant mineral in the body Chief functions in the body Mineralization of bones and teeth Involved in muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve functioning, blood clotting Blood pressure, immune defenses Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Calcium Balance Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Calcium 1997 adequate intake (AI) Upper level for adults: 2500 mg/day Adults 19-50 years: 1000 mg/day Adults 51 & older: 1200 mg/day -Postmenopausal women: 1500 mg/day Upper level for adults: 2500 mg/day Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Calcium Significant sources Milk and milk products Small fish (canned with bones) Tofu (bean curd), greens (broccoli, chard), legumes Calcium-fortified products Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Calcium Deficiency symptoms Stunted growth in children Bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults Hypertension Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Osteoporosis & Calcium 8X more common in women due to lower intakes, smaller body size & less bone mass; loss begins earlier & accelerates after menopause

Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Osteoporosis & Calcium Dietary calcium is the key to prevention Other nutrients play a supporting role Physical activity and body weight Smoking and alcohol Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Calcium Toxicity symptoms Constipation Increased risk of urinary stone formation and kidney dysfunction Interference with absorption of other minerals Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Phosphorus 2nd most abundant mineral in the body Chief functions in the body: Mineralization of bones and teeth Part of every cell Important in genetic material, part of phospholipids Used in energy metabolism Used in buffer systems that maintain acid-base balance Phospholipids – transport of fats Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Phosphorous 1997 RDA for adults: 700 mg/day Upper level for adults (19-70 years): 4000 mg/day Significant sources All animal tissues (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk), whole grains, legumes

Phosphorous Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptoms Muscular weakness, bone pain Toxicity symptoms Calcification of nonskeletal tissues, particularly the kidneys

Magnesium Chief functions in the body Bone mineralization Component of teeth Critical to enzymes for energy/protein metabolism Muscle relaxation/contraction Nerve impulse transmission Building of protein Functioning of immune system Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Magnesium 1997 RDA Men (19-30 years): 400 mg/day Women (19-30 years): 310 mg/day Upper level for adults: 350 mg nonfood magnesium/day Significant sources Nuts, legumes Whole grains Dark green leafy vegetables Seafood Chocolate, cocoa “Hard” water

Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Magnesium Deficiency can result from vomiting & diarrhea, alcoholism, protein malnutrition, diuretic use, renal failure Deficiency symptoms Weakness Confusion If extreme, convulsions, tetany (rigidity especially of eye and face muscles), hallucinations, and difficulty in swallowing In children, growth failure Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Magnesium Toxicity: possible in elderly who may abuse Mg-containing laxatives & antacids Toxicity symptoms From nonfood sources only Diarrhea, alkalosis, dehydration

Chloride Chlorine (Cl2) vs. chloride ion (Cl-) Roles in body Principal extracellular anion Chief functions in the body Maintains normal fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance Part of hydrochloric acid found in the stomach, necessary for proper digestion Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Chloride 1989 estimated minimum requirement for adults: 750 mg/day (no RDA established) Significant sources Table salt, soy sauce Moderate amounts in meats, milks, eggs Large amounts in processed foods Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Chloride Deficiency symptoms Toxicity symptom Do not occur under normal circumstances Toxicity symptom Vomiting Copyright 2005 Wadsworth Group, a division of Thomson Learning

Sulfur Chief functions in the body: -Occurs as part of thiamin & certain amino acids -Role in protein structure -Concentrated in skin, hair, & nails Sources: all protein foods Deficiency: only in severe protein deficiency