MINERALS

IVY MAR B. CABORNIDA, PhD

FT 411 Subject Professor
S
INTRODUCTION

➢ Are simple organic elements

➢ Non-caloric; remain as ash when food is
completely burnt
➢ Classification:
a. Macrominerals (>0.005% of body weight)
b. Microminerals (<0.005% of body weight)
INTRODUCTION

➢ Macro minerals are needed in large

amounts. Trace minerals are needed in very small
amounts.
➢ The macro minerals are calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and
sulfur.
➢ The trace minerals are iron, manganese, copper,
iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium
 INTRODUCTION
➢ General Functions:
1. Structural – part of the cells or body fluids
Ex. Ca,P & Mg: bones & teeth Cl: gastric secretion
Fe: Red blood cells I: thyroxine
Zn: insulin Cu: cytochrome enzyme
2. Regulatory – for normal functioning of tissues or body fluids
a. maintenance of acid-base balance (acid-forming: Cl, S, P and base-forming:Ca, Na, K, Mg )
b. catalysts of metabolic reactions
c. regulator of muscle contractility (Mg, K, Na, Ca: maintain normal contraction & relaxation)
d. transmitter of nerve impulses (Na & K: facilitate the transmission of nerve impulse while Ca
regulates it)
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources
CALCIUM (Ca) ▪ 99% is present ▪ Combines with Absorption: of the total Deficiency: ▪ Kuhol (snail)
mostly in bones & Phosphorus, calcium ingested, 20-40% is Rickets– caused by lack of calcium, ▪ Milk
teeth; 1% is found facilitate bone & normally absorbed. phosphorus and Vit. D. ▪ Shrimp fry
in soft tissues & teeth formation Absorption takes place in ▪ Tiny crabs (talangka)
body fluids ▪ Participates in the intestinal tract Duodenal Osteomalacia (adult rickets)- softening ▪ Sardines
muscular area). Vit. D enhances the of bones due to the reduction of its ▪ Anchovies
contraction & absorption of calcium. Oxalic mineral content ▪ Dairy products
relaxation acid (found in alugbati, excluding butter &
▪ It promotes blood kamias, kulitis, kamatis, Tetany – characterized by uncontrolled cream cheese
coagulation tamarind, spinach) and reaction of muscle tissue & increased ▪ Malunggay leaves
▪ Important in nerve phytic acids (found in wheat excitability of the nerves ▪ Saluyot
transmission bran and oatmeal) interfere ▪ Legumes (munggo,
▪ Activates release with the absorption of Ca. Osteoporosis – due to long-standing soybean, black beans
of energy for Alcohol decrease Ca lack of calcium intake
muscle contraction absorption & Caffeine
▪ Lowers increases urinary calcium Toxicity
hypertension in excretion. Hypercalcemia – high intake of Vit D
individuals Metabolism: the blood and a high ratio of phosphorus to
▪ Ability to decrease calcium is maintained by calcium
cell growth in parathyroid hormone(PTH).
conjunction with If the level falls, the PTH
Vit. D release calcium from the
bone.
Excretion: unabsorbed Ca is
found in urine & stools
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

PHOSPHORUS ▪ Found in bones & ▪ Part of bones & Absorption: absorb as free Deficiency: ▪ Protein-rich
(P) teeth in teeth phosphate by the intestines Hypophosphatemia – can cause
combination ▪ Participate in • A diet adequate with skeletal myopathy and
foods
protein & calcium
with Calcium metabolic cardiomyopathy
usually has adequate
processes: part phophorus
of DNA & RNA Toxicity
molecules Metabolism: a ratio of 1:1 Hyperphosphatemia – can result
Ca to P favors absorption of to tetany or death
these minerals. Any excess is
lost via fecal excretion.
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

POTASSIUM ▪ Principal cation ▪ Maintains fluid Absorption: absorb in the Deficiency: ▪ Nuts
(K+) found in the cells and electrolyte small intestine. The Hypokalemia – low serum ▪ Meat
potassium level in the body ▪ Legumes
or in the balance potassium
is controlled by the kidney ▪ Milk
intracellular ▪ Important for ▪ Sweet potato
fluids carbohydrate Toxicity ▪ Tomato products
Metabolism:. If the
and protein Hyperkalemia – elevated serum ▪ Dark green
level of potassium in the vegetables
metabolism potassium; occurs when the
body increases to a very
▪ A potassium kidney fails or due to renal failure
high level, muscular
intake equal to
coordination is
or greater than
disturbed and cardiac
sodium intake
arrest occurs.
may prevent the
development of
hypertension
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

SULFUR (S) ▪ It is concentrated ▪ Maintain Absorption: absorbed in Deficiency: ▪ Protein-rich

in the cytoplasm protein the intestine and goes Cystinuria – a rare condition in which
and the highest structure directly into the portal
foods
stones made from an amino acid called
concentration in ▪ Participates in circulation cysteine form in the kidney, ureter, and
the hair, skin and the bladder
nails detoxification Metabolism: excreted
▪ Gives off a reactions by by way of the urine
characteristic which toxic
odor of sulfur materials are
dioxide excreted in the
urine
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

SODIUM (Na) ▪ Major cation in ▪ Responsible for Absorption: most of it is Deficiency: ▪ Processed
the extracellular maintaining absorbed from the small Hyponatremia - common
fluids of the body fluid balance intestine electrolyte abnormality caused by an
foods (cured,
▪ Responsible for excess of total body water when salted &
compared to total body sodium
maintaining Metabolism: any excess is
content.
pickled)
acid-base filtered out through the ▪ Seasonings
balance kidney and excreted in the
Toxicity with salt and
▪ Maintains urine and the rest are
Edema
normal muscle reabsorbed by the kidney
Hypertension
MSG, toyo,
irritability or tubules patis, catsup,
Kidney disorder
excitability
The regulation is
Cushing’s disease steak sauces,
Brain injury garlic sauce
controlled by aldosterone,
a hormone secreted by
the adrenal gland
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

CHLORINE (Cl) ▪ Major anion in ▪ Function always Absorption: absorbed in Deficiency: ▪ Table salt
the extracellular in combination the intestine and Alkalosis – excessive loss of
fluid with sodium or excreted by the kidney chloride ions from the gastric
▪ A large amount is with potassium, secretion during continued
found in the helping to Metabolism: vomiting, diarrhea or tube
gastrointestinal maintain fluid drainage
secretion as HCl and electrolyte
balance and Toxicity
acid-base
balance
▪ Contribtes to
the necessary
acidity needed
in the stomach
▪ Participate in
the activation of
pepsinogen to
pepsin for the
breakdown of
protein
MACROMINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

MAGNESIUM ▪ Present in the ▪ Essential part of Absorption: absorbed in Deficiency: ▪ Nuts (almond,
(Mg) bones in the many the small intestine Hypomagnesemia tetany - a cashew)
disorder caused by an abnormally low ▪ Soybeans
combination enzyme systems
blood concentration of the essential ▪ Milk
with P & Ca ▪ Key core in the Metabolism: ▪ Seafood
mineral magnesium
▪ Concentrated in chlorophyll ▪ Cocoa
Aldosteronism
the mitochondria molecule ▪ Meat
Hyperparathyroidism can lead to ▪
of the cell ▪ Essential in dried beans and peas
Mg deficiency
cellular
metabolism
Toxicity
▪ Increase
Hypermagnesemia - an uncommon
stability of Ca in
problem in the absence of magnesium
the tooth administration or kidney failure.
enamel
▪ Regulate blood
phosphate level
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

IRON (Fe) ▪ Most abundant ▪ As constituent Absorption: majority is Deficiency: ▪ 2 types of

element in the of hemoglobin present in the food in Anemia – a condition
body (60-75% & myoglobin ferric form. The greatest
dietary iron:
characterized by a reduction in
part of the ▪ Carrier of absorption occurs in the size or number of red blood cells
1. Heme- found
hemoglobin; 5% oxygen needed upper duodenum. resulting in decrease capacity of in meat, fish
as myoglobin; for cellular the blood to carry oxygen & poultry
Metabolism: as soon as
25% as ferritin respiration
found in the liver ▪ It is an active
it is absorbed & carried 2. Non-heme:
by the blood, it is bound Toxicity
or hemosiderin component of Hemosiderosis – caused by from cereals,
to a plasma protein
in spleen & bone tissue enzymes excessive iron intake thru vegetables,
(transferrin) and enters
marrow) (antibody supplements or failure of the
production,
several pathways. egg
Excretion: excess iron is body to regulate iron absorption
synthesis of
stored in the liver; only
collagen, Hemochromatosis – another kind
small amount are
oxidation of of iron overload; a genetically
excreted daily in the
glucose to transmitted disease which can
urine, feces, sweat &
produce energy) cause liver cirrhosis, diabetes &
breast milk
skin discoloration
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function
ZINC (Zn) Highest ▪ Essential component of
concentrations several metalloenzymes
(enzymes depend on zinc
of zinc in the
for their activity)
body are ▪ Important in nucleic acid
typically found metabolism and in protein
in bone, synthesis or in the growth
prostrate and of cells and tissues
the choroid of ▪ Necessary for the
development of male
the eye
reproductive functions
and spermatogenesis,
specifically the formation
of testosterone
▪ Zinc plays a role in the
acceleration of wound
healing and for the normal
sense of taste
▪ An important factor in
host immune defense. It
lessens the activity of
killer cells that fight off
disease-causing attackers.
Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources
Zinc is transported to Deficiency: ▪ Milk
the mucosal cells taken -Slow growth ▪ Meat (esp. beef)
to the liver before -Alopecia ▪ Liver
redistributed to the -Disturbances in the keratinization ▪ Oysters
other tissues. process in the skin ▪ Eggs
-hypospermia ▪ Green peas
Vit. C favors Zn -delayed wound healing ▪ Nuts
absorption. ▪ Whole grain
Toxicity cereals
Excretion is mainly -Formation of atheromatous ▪ Zinc-lined
through feces. plaques. An atheroma (plaque) containers
Significant amounts are is a fatty material that builds up
lost from the urine, hair inside the arteries and grow over
loss and sweating. time and may lead to coronary
artery disease, peripheral artery
disease, heart attack or stroke.
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

SELENIUM ▪ Found in the ▪ It is one of the antioxidant The liver is the main If the body does not have enough ▪ Fish
(Se) liver, kidney, nutrients that prevent free organ where Se selenium, it can lead to ▪ Grains
radicals from damaging
heart, undergoes metabolism autoimmune thyroid conditions ▪ Oysters
normal cells
spleen, nails ▪ It is a component of and distribution, such as Hashimoto's disease and ▪ Organ meats
and tooth glutathione peroxidase transforming into Graves' disease. Both of these ▪ Dairy products
enamel responsible for inactivating selenoproteins that are conditions cause the body to ▪ Garlic
▪ Selenium peroxides that causes cancer then distributed to create antibodies that attack the ▪ Mushroom
and Vit. E and atherosclerosis other tissues thyroid gland, leading to an ▪ salmon
▪ It slows down aging process
spare each overactive thyroid
▪ Selenium is an essential
other component of various (hyperthyroidism) or underactive
enzymes and proteins, called thyroid (hypothyroidism)
selenoproteins, that help to
make DNA and protect
against cell damage and
infections; these proteins are
also involved in reproduction
and the metabolism of
thyroid hormones
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

Manganese ▪ Concentrated in ▪ Manganese helps Manganese is absorbed Deficiency ▪ Nuts

(Mn) the liver and the body form in the small intestine - bone demineralization and ▪ Whole grain
connective tissue,
kidneys and any portion rejected poor growth in children cereals
bones, blood
clotting factors, by the intestine is - skin rashes ▪ Tea
and sex hormones. excreted in the feces. - hair depigmentation ▪ Green leafy
▪ It also plays a role - increased premenstrual pain vegetables
in fat and Large intake of Calcium in women
carbohydrate and Iron depresses
metabolism,
manganese absorption Toxicity
calcium
absorption, and Manganese toxicity can result in a
blood sugar permanent neurological disorder
regulation. known as manganism with
▪ Manganese is also
symptoms that include tremors,
necessary for
normal brain and difficulty walking, and facial
nerve function muscle spasms.
▪ It increases the
storage of thiamin
and needed for
bone development
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

Copper (Cu) ▪ Copper is an ▪ Together with Copper is absorbed by Deficiency: ▪ Organ meats
essential Iron, it helps the intestinal cells and -anemia ▪ Shellfish esp.
nutrient for the your body make stored with -low body temperature oyster
body found in red blood cells metallothioneins in a -bone fractures and osteoporosis ▪ Nuts
the liver, brain, and keeps nerve nontoxic form . -low white blood cell count ▪ Cocoa
heart and kidney cells and your -irregular heartbeat ▪ Cherries
immune system It is exported from the -loss of pigment from the skin ▪ Mushroom
healthy. enterocytes into the -thyroid problems ▪ Whole grain
▪ It also helps blood and transported cereals
form collagen, a via the portal vein to the Toxicity
key part of liver, which is the main - Rare
bones and organ responsible for
connective copper homeostasis
tissue.
▪ Copper may also
act as an
antioxidant,
reducing free
radicals that can
damage cells
and DNA
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

Iodine (I) ▪ Concentrated in ▪ The body needs Absorbed as iodide in Iodine deficiency is the most ▪ Seafoods esp.
the thyroid gland iodine to make the small intestine and common cause of thyroid disease,
thyroid hormones
excreted in the urine specifically hypothyroidism
oysters &
called thyroxin. shrimps
These hormones (underactive thyroid).
control the body's Iodine is metabolized in Hypothyroidism can cause ▪ Iodine
metabolism and the human symptoms including severe fortified salt
many other body through a series of tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain
important stages involving the and an enlarged thyroid (goiter). (thru the ASIN
functions. The Law)
hypothalamus, pituitary,
body also needs
thyroid hormones thyroid gland and Cretinism – maternal iodine
for proper bone blood. deficiency
and brain
development Myxedema – iodine deficiency in
during pregnancy adults
and infancy
Toxicity
Iodine toxicity may lead to
thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and
thyroid papillary cancer.
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

Molybdenum ▪ Molybdenum is Some of this mineral is The absence of molybdopterin ▪ Milk & milk
(Mo) used to process stored in the liver and impairs the function of enzymes products
proteins and kidneys, but most of it is that metabolize sulfite, leading to ▪ Legumes
genetic material converted into a encephalopathy and seizures. ▪ Lean meats &
like DNA. molybdenum cofactor. poultry
▪ Molybdenum
also helps break Any excess molybdenum Molybdenum toxicity in humans is
down drugs and is then passed in urine. low.
toxic substances
that enter the The molybdenum
body. cofactor activates four
essential enzymes,
which are biological
molecules that drive
chemical reactions in
the body.
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

COBALT (Co) ▪ It is part of ▪ This vitamin is Cobalt is not subject to Anemia is a main cause of a Fish,
vitamin B-12. essential for metabolism by cobalt and vitamin B-12 deficiency Nuts,
making red enzymatic pathway but green leafy
blood cells tends to get distributed Cobalt is toxic to the heart vegetables, such as
(erythropoiesis) between organ systems muscle. It can cause heart muscle broccoli and spinach
▪ It also maintains and excreted via urine disease (toxic cardiomyopathy) cereals, such as oats
the nervous and feces after too much exposure. An
system. increase in red blood cells
(polycythemia) may be a
symptom of too much cobalt.
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

CHROMIUM ▪ Chromium is an ▪ Chromium is Tissues can take up Chromium deficiency may ▪ Corn oil
(Cr) essential mineral important in the circulation trivalent include weight loss, confusion, ▪ Clams
that plays a role breakdown of chromium, and its impaired coordination, and a ▪ Brewer’s yeast
in how insulin fats and distribution in the body reduced response to sugar ▪ Vegetables
helps the body carbohydrates. depends on the species, (glucose) in blood, increasing the ▪ meat
regulate blood It stimulates age, and chemical form. risk of diabetes.
sugar levels. fatty acid and It is excreted primarily in
cholesterol the urine High doses have been linked to
synthesis. They more serious side effects including
are important liver or kidney damage
for brain
function and
other body
processes..
TRACE MINERALS
Mineral Description Function Utilization Deficiency/ Toxicity Sources

FLOURINE (F) ▪ Fluoride, a ▪ Fluoride is the The majority of fluoride Fluorine deficiency can lead to • Water as main
mineral, is ionic form of the not absorbed from the dental caries and possibly source
naturally present element stomach will be osteoporosis. • Brewed black tea
in many foods fluorine, and absorbed from the small and coffee.
and available as it inhibits or intestine. Excessive systemic exposure to • Fluoridated water.
a dietary reverses the fluorides can lead to disturbances • Canned shellfish
supplement. initiation and Fluoride not absorbed of bone homeostasis (skeletal like shrimp and
progression of will be excreted in feces. fluorosis) and enamel blue crab.
dental caries development (dental/enamel • Oatmeal.
(tooth decay) fluorosis) • Raisins.
and stimulates • Potatoes
new bone
formation