NUTRITION

AND
DIETETICS
LECTURE
 MINERALS
(Major Minerals and Trace Minerals)
Basic Concepts of Minerals:
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Define important terms related to vitamins.
2. Determine the essentiality of vitamins to physiology.
3. Identify the importance of vitamins to humans.
4. Identify the best sources of vitamins.
Introduction
➢MINERALS are elements in the body in simple
organic form.

➢The role of minerals in the body is classified as

structural and regulatory.
We need MINERALS to help us do three main
things:

1. Build strong teeth and bones

2. Control body fluids inside and outside cells
3. Turn the food we eat into energy
Structural function of Minerals:
it is an integral part of the cells, tissues or
substances.

Example:
Ca, P, Mg in bones and teeth; S in Hair, Insulin
& Thiamine, Cl in HCl of gastric juice.
Regulatory function of Minerals:

includes maintenance of water & acid-based

balance, muscle contractility, nerve irritability
and actions as cofactors of enzyme systems.
Major Minerals:
Calcium (Ca) Magnesium (Mg)
Chlorine (Cl) Sulfur (S)
Phosphorous (P) Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K)
Trace Minerals:
Iron (Fe) Manganese (Mn)
Copper (Cu) Molybdenum (Mo)
Cobalt (Co) Selenium (Se)
Fluorine (F) Zinc (Zn)
Iodine (I)
MAJOR MINERALS
1. CALCIUM (Ca)
•1.5-2.2 % of total body weight
•99% in bones and teeth
•1% found in soft tissues and body fluids
Functions of Calcium:
1. For nerve transmission and heartbeat
regulation.
2. Bones and Teeth formation.
Calcium + Phosphorous= Calcium Phosphate(CaPO4)

CaPO4 is the material in the bones and teeth which are

hard.
Functions of Calcium:
3. For muscle contraction and relaxant
• Ca- for muscle contraction
• Potassium- for muscle relaxant
4. Promotes Blood coagulation
Ca works with Vitamin K for normal coagulation of
blood
Functions of Calcium:
5. Perform as membrane stabilizer.
It affects cell membrane transport function.
3 Organs systems that correct the levels
of the calcium:
1. Intestines- stimulates calcium absorption.
2. Bones- stimulates calcium release.
3. Kidney- slows calcium excretion.
Deficiency of Calcium:
- Delayed closure of fontanelles
- Osteomalacia - Tetany
- Osteoporosis -Malformed bone
- Rickets & teeth
- Retarded growth
Toxicity of Calcium:

Hypercalcemia- excessive amount of calcium

in the blood.
Food Source of Calcium
• Shellfish • Milk
• Crabs • Dried fish
• Seaweeds • Sardines
• Cheese • Jute
• Galunggong • Malunggay
Jute
2. MAGNESIUM (Mg)
• 50% - present in bones combined with
phosphate and calcium
•49% - inside body cells
•1% - extracellular fluid
MAGNESIUM (Mg)

•Highest concentration in the muscles and

RBC’s
•Next to Potassium as the predominant
Cation in living cells.
Functions of Magnesium (Mg)
1. Found mainly in the bones.
2. Calcium channel blocker – acts to decrease blood
and smooth muscle contraction.
3. Coenzyme in energy metabolism- needed for ATP
production and neurotransmitter to the CNS.
4. Increases calcium stability in the tooth enamel.
 Food Source of Magnesium
• Nuts • Seafoods
• Soybeans • Milk
• Legumes • Cocoa
• Peas • Meat
• Whole grains • Dark green vegetables
Factor influencing Absorption of Magnesium:

-Increased with active forms of Vitamin D

Deficiency of Magnesium:
•Hypomagnesemic Tetany
-Low magnesium level
-common in infants & children with Kwashiorkor
Manifested by intestinal malabsorption, diarrhea,
vomiting
Toxicity of Magnesium:

•Hypermagnesemia (High level of Mg)

Result in Hypertension, arrythmia or cardiac arrest,
ECG changes, tendon reflexes decreases and Coma
3. SODIUM (Na)
• Monovalent cation
• 50%- extracellular fluid, vascular fluid, within the
blood vessels, arteries, veins, capillaries,
intracellular fluids surrounding the cells
• 10%- within the cells
• 40%- skeleton
Functions of Sodium (Na)
1. Maintains fluid balance- osmolality through ADH
and aldosterone secretion.
2. Maintains acid-base balance in conjunction with
chloride.
3. Allows passage of materials like glucose through cell
wall and thus maintains normal muscle irritability and
excitability.
4. Involved in nerve transmission and neurological
function.
 Food Source of Sodium
• Carrots • MSG
• Spinach • Fish sauce, soy sauce,
• Celery Ketchup
• Peas • Preservatives and
• Beets Additives
• Processed meat • Canned foods
Deficiency of Sodium:

•Hyponatremia
-Occurs during dehydration, heat exhaustion,
blood loss, prolonged diarrhea and vomiting,
prolonged low-salt or restricted Sodium diet.
Toxicity of Sodium:

•Edema- excess of sodium in the extracellular

fluid
•Hypertension
•Kidney disorders
4.POTASSIUM (K)
•Principal cation present within cells/
intracellular fluid
•2.6 gm/kg fat free weight is potassium
•Minimal amount in extracellular fluid
Functions of Potassium (K)
1. Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance.
2. Significant role in the activity of the skeletal
and cardiac muscles.
3. Acts as muscle relaxant in contrast to calcium
which stimulates muscle contraction.
4. Important in carbohydrate and protein
metabolism.
 Food Source of Potassium

•Meat •Fruit juice

•Legumes •Fresh fruits
•Milk •Dark green veg
•Raw and dried fruits •Unrefined cereal
Deficiency of Potassium:

1. Hypokalemia
•Due to Prolonged wasting disease
•Prolonged GI loss of K like in vomiting,
diarrhea, gastric suction, diabetic acidosis
Deficiency of Potassium:
2. Apathy
3. Muscular weakness
4. Mental confusion
5. Abdominal Distention
Toxicity of Potassium:
•Hypokalemia (low K level in blood)
•Weakening of heartbeat
•Mental confusion
•Poor respiration
•Numbness of extremities
5. PHOSPHOROUS (P)
•1% normal body
•12gm/kg fat-free body weight
•Structural component of bones and teeth
Functions of Phosphorous (P)
1. Component of bones and teeth.
2. Component of every cell.
3. Synthesis of DNA and RNA, functions as
coenzyme in many chemical reactions in the body.
4. pH regulation.
5. Inverse relationship with Ca in the body.
Food Source of Phosphorous

•Cheese milk •Fish

•Dairy products •Dried beans
•Poultry
Deficiency of Phosphorous:
1.Wasting disease
2. Hyperparathyroidism
3. Malnourished patients under TPN feedings
Toxicity of Phosphorous:
•Hyperphosphatemia- high P level of blood
•Tetany symptoms
•Compromised renal status (renal failure)
•Long term use of sodium phosphate laxatives
6. SULFUR (S)
Function:
1. Production of Keratin.
2. Essential mineral (present in all body cells)
3. Needed for the correct formation of cartilage,
tendons, and bones.
4. Insulin and heparin production
SULFUR (S)
Function:
5. For Healthy Reproductive System
6. Keeps the lining of both arteries and veins intact
7. Detoxifying
8. Activates Enzymes
 Food Source of Sulfur

•Eggs •Turkey
•Lentils •Red kidney beans
•Pork •Black eyed beans
•Beef •Cannellini beans
•Chicken •Peas
Deficiency & Toxicity of Sulfur:

-None
7. CHLORINE (Cl)
•Key anion of extracellular fluids
•Normal plasma level- 95-105 mEq/L or
340-370 mg/100mL
•RDA- 2,300 mg/day/adult
Functions of Chlorine (Cl)
1. Maintenance of Fluid and Electrolytes balance,
Acid-base balance.
-Assists in maintaining fluid balance inside and
outside cells.
2.Component of hydrochloric acid, a very
important gastric juice produced by the stomach.
HCl- functions for proper food digestion, necessary
for the acidity of the stomach
Food Source of Chlorine:
•Table Salt
•Salt-water fishes

Deficiency of Chlorine:
•Alkalosis- rise in pH in Hydrogen ion
concentrated in blood; loss of chloride ions
from gastric secretions via vomiting, diarrhea
TRACE MINERALS
1. IRON (Fe)
2 Types of Iron:
1. Heme - iron
•found only in meat
•More efficiently absorbed by the body
2.Non-heme iron
•Found in iron-fortified cereals, vegetables and
eggs
Functions of Iron (Fe):
1. Distributes oxygen throughout our body.
2. Assist enzyme in the use of oxygen by all
body cells.
3. Needed in hemoglobin formation. For normal
and healthy RBC.
Inhibitors of Iron Absorption:
•Phytates/ Phytic acid or binders inhibits
absorption of Iron
•Oxalates
•Tannins, teas, coffee
•Antacids
•Excessive use of minerals
RDA of Iron:

•Men- 8mg of Iron

•Women- 18mg of Iron
•Pregnant- 27mg of Iron
•Growth stage- greater need
Sources of Iron: •Liver, organ meats
•Bran •Rump steak (grilled)
•Sesame seeds •Canned crab
•Roast venison •Tuna oil
•Sardines •Roast lamb
•Dried apricots •Peanuts
•Malunggay leaves •Green, leafy veg
Deficiency of Iron:
1. Iron-deficiency Anemia
- reduction in size or number of RBC.
- Results to decrease capacity of blood to carry
oxygen
2. Pica eating disorder
-an eating disorder in which a person eats things not
usually considered food.
S/Sx of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
• Paleness
• Easy fatigability
• Developmental delay
• Learning problems (easily distracted, low focus)
• Sensation of always feeling cold
• Compromised immune system
• Premature delivery, low-birth weight
Pica Eating Disorder:
Toxicity of Iron:

1. Hemosiderosis
-Also known as Iron overload
-Liver is affected, it destroys cells in liver, other
organs and blood cells
Toxicity of Iron:

2. Hemosiderin
-a dark, yellow pigment of an Fe-CHON complex.
-it is a skin condition that stores iron within the
dermis.
Toxicity of Iron:

3. Hemochromatosis
-disorder of Fe metabolism
-an inherited condition the body slowly build up
over many years and this can damage parts of
the body like liver, joints, pancreas and heart.
2. ZINC (Zn)
RDA of Zinc:
• Men- 11mg/ day
• Women- 8mg/day
Functions of Zinc:
1. More than 200 enzymes in the body depend on
zinc
2. Growth process
3. Taste and smell ability
4. Hastens wound healing
5. Boost immune system
6. Carbohydrate metabolism by assisting in insulin
function.
Source of Zinc:

• Meat • Whole grains

• Fish • Legumes
• Poultry • Eggs
Deficiency of Zinc:
1. Dwarfism
2. Reduced appetite
3. Immunologic disorders
4. Delayed sexual development
5. Alopecia (baldness of loss od hair)
6. Xeropthalmia (night blindness)
Toxicity of Zinc:
1.GastroIntestinal distress
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
2.Flu like symptoms
• Fever
• Exhaustion
3. IODINE (I)
RDA

•Adult men and women =50 μg per day of

Iodine
Function of Iodine:

Synthesis of hormone Thyroxin:

(hormone in the thyroid gland)
1. regulates Growth and development
2. regulates Basal metabolic rate
3. regulates Body temperature
Source of Iodine:
•Seafoods
•Dairy products
•Eggs
•Canned salmon
Deficiency of Iodine:
1. Decreased thyroxin results to:
• Sluggishness
• Weight gain
2. During pregnancy:
Cretinism of the fetus resulting in permanent
mental and physical retardation, child looks dwarf.
3. Goiter- thyroid gland enlargement
4. Myxedema
Toxicity of Iodine:
1.Thyrotoxicosis
-with excess thyroid hormone activity circulating in
the body
4. FLUORIDE (F)
RDA
Adults range from 1.4 to 3.4 mg/day
Functions of Fluoride:

1. Increases resistance to tooth decay

2. Part of tooth formation
3. Bone mineralization
- treatment for osteoporosis
Source of Fluoride:

•Toothpaste
Men – 4mg/ day
Women- 3 mg/day
Deficiency of Fluoride:

1. Dental caries
Toxicity of Fluoride:
1. Fluorosis
-can happen if you ingest too much fluoride over a long period
of time.
5. SELENIUM (Se)
RDA
•75 mcg/day
•Equivalent to 4-5 Brazil nuts
Function of Selenium:
1. Part of an enzyme
2. Antioxidant
3. Associated with Thyroid function
4. Involved in the production and maintenance of
healthy sperm and prostate gland in men
Sources of Selenium:

•Brazil nuts •Grilled plaice

•Mixed nuts and raisins •Whole meal bread
•Fresh tuna •Cashew nuts
•Shrimps •Walnuts
•Sunflower seeds •White rice
Deficiency of Selenium:
1. Leads to Heart disease

2. Keshan disease
•First noted in China (women and children)
-due to Selenium deficiency
Keshan Disease S/Sx:
•Cardiomyopathy
•Muscle pain and tenderness
•Frequent infections
•Dandruff
•Premature signs of aging
•Poor prostate health
•Low male fertility
6. COPPER (Cu)
RDA= 900 mcg/day

Functions of Copper:
1. Coenzyme involving antioxidant reactions and
energy metabolism.
2. Wound healing
Functions of Copper:
3.Nerve fiber constituent protectant

4.Required element for iron use

5.Helps make the AA tyrosine

Sources of Copper:
•Calves' liver, organ meats • Peanuts
•Oysters • Mushrooms
•Sardines in tomato sauce • Whole meal bread
•Sunflower seeds • Prunes
•Crab • Leafy vegetables
•Lobsters • Legumes
Deficiency of Copper:

1.Bone demineralization
2. IDA
3. Tiredness
4. Changes to hair color and depigmentation
5. Hypotonia- abnormally low level of muscle tone
Deficiency of Copper:

6. Hypocupremia- low level of Cu in the blood.

7. Nephrosis- degeneration or disintegration of
kidney with signs of inflammation.
Toxicity of Copper:

1. Wilson’s Disease
-increased Cu concentration in the liver and brain
that results to neurologic change and liver damage.
7.CHROMIUM (Cr)
•Male
•19-50 y/o-----------------35 mg /day
•51 and above-------------30mg / day
•Female
•19-50----------------------25 mg/day
•51 and above-------------20mg/day
Functions of Chromium:

1. Increases action of insulin in the body

2. Energize/vitalizes the synthesis of fatty acids and

cholesterol in the liver.
Sources of Chromium:

•Brewer’s yeast •Mung beans

•Meat •Aduki beans
•Whole grains •Peas
•Black eyed beans •Nuts
•Legumes •Peanuts
Deficiency of Chromium:
1. Poor blood sugar control
2. Dizziness and irritability after 6 hours without foods
3. Need for frequent meals
4. Sleepiness
5. Excessive thirst
6. Strong desire for sweet foods
7. Raised blood fats
8. COBALT (Co)
RDA
• average adult intake is 5–8 mcg per day.
• A safe (RDA) for cobalt hasn't been set yet.
• Trace amounts of cobalt are found in most foods high in
vitamin B-12 are the only source of cobalt used by the
body.
Functions of Cobalt:

1. Constituent/component of B-12

2. Essential factor for RBC formation

3. Normal function of all cells

Sources of Cobalt:

• Liver •Clams
• Kidney •Lean beef
• Oysters •Veal
• Poultry •Saltwater fish
• Milk
Deficiency of Cobalt:
1. Pernicious Anemia
-chronic macrocytic anemia, the RBC can’t be supplied
by bone marrow due to vit B12 deficiency.

Toxicity of Cobalt:
1. Polycythemia
-high number of RBC because of high Co intake
and bone marrow hyperplasia.
9. MANGANESE (Mn)
Functions of Manganese:
1. Activator of a few metabolic reactions.
2. Activates some enzymes needed for glucose and
fat metabolism.
3. Improves Vitamin B1 storage.
Sources of Manganese:

•Macadamia •Soya beans

•Hazel nuts •Canned chickpeas
•Pecan nuts •Desiccated coconuts
•Almonds •Boiled brown rice
•Cashew nuts •Tea
Deficiency & Toxicity of Manganese:

No case of Mn Deficiency and Toxicity observed in

humans, as caused by diets.
10. MOLYBDENUM (Mo)

RDA= adult men and women is 45 μg/day

Functions of Molybdenum:
1. Coenzyme molecules
2. Iron consumption in the body
3. Healthy nerves
4. Good mental alertness
5. Male fertility and potency
Sources of Molybdenum:

• Liver •Red kidney beans

• Yeasts •Whole meal bread
• Lentils •Whole wheat pasta
• Spinach •Brown rice
• Green cabbage •Kidney
Deficiency of Molybdenum:
-Xeropthalmia, irritability, lethargic, headache,
coma

Toxicity of Molybdenum:
-low growth rate, diarrhea, anemia
 THANK YOU!
End of Presentation