Minerals
Minerals are found in mountain rocks, metals, soil and water. Minerals play a unique role in the human body, together they contribute to the functioning of enzymatic systems, regulate blood pressure, heart muscle contraction, wound healing and nerve impulse transmission. At least 60 minerals are known to be vital to human health. Macrominerals that are needed in relatively large amounts are: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium and sulfur. The minerals needed in small amounts are: iron, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, fluorine, iodine, molybdenum and manganese. The human body cannot synthesize all the minerals that are naturally in fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, meats and dairy products.
Calcium
Calcium was first isolated in 1808 by electrolysis of a mixture of calcium oxide and mercuric oxide. The divalent cation of calcium is found in bones, teeth, and other human tissues. More than 99% of calcium is found in muscle tissue.The total amount of calcium in the body is equal to 1,500 g. Calcium is also found in plasma and is important in regulatory mechanisms, e.g. such as in chemical and electrical signal transmission in neuromuscular tissue, cell secretion, and blood coagulation. The amount of calcium in the body is regulated by parathyroid hormone. A small amount of calcium intake signals the parathyroid hormones to send a signal to the nervous system, from where calcium is released into the bloodstream. An adequate dose of calcium in food leads to the production of less amount of parathyroid hormones, which thus helps to restore calcium in the muscle tissue.
Calcium is well absorbed by the body when a person receives it no more than 500 milligrams. Taking large amounts of calcium causes constipation, formation of kidney stones, inhibition (stopping) of zinc and iron absorption.
Calcium function and deficiency: As mentioned, calcium is important for the formation of the skeletal system and teeth. Its deficiency causes skeletal pathologies: osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets.
Food source: milk and milk products (low-fat yogurt, cheese). Also vegetable food (spinach, broccoli, thalgam). As well as calcium-enriched orange juices, Mexican bread is a very useful source of calcium. Salmon and sardines are also rich in calcium.
Calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, calcium chloride, calcium citrate, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide are used as food additives.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a multivalent non-metallic mineral that is one of the most common elements in nature. It is a highly reactive element and therefore cannot be found in its pure form in nature. Its most important use is in the form of fertilizers. It is also used in the production of explosives, matches, pesticides, toothpaste and detergents.
Function and Importance of Phosphorus: It is vital for the growth and health of animals and plants. An important component of bones and teeth, adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP) as well as other organophosphate compounds play a major role in biological reactions. e.g. In the process of photosynthesis, fermentation and metabolism. In animals it is also an important component of nervous tissue as well as cellular plasma. Phosphorus deficiency may cause anorexia, growth retardation, osteomalacia, demineralization of bone tissue, emaciation, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory failure, increased erythrocytes, lymphocyte dysfunction, nervous system disorders. Phosphate salts are used to treat phosphorus deficiency.
Food source: asparagus, bran, wheat, dairy products, eggs, fish, dried fruit, garlic, sunflower, meat, salmon, poultry meat.
Sodium phosphate is used as a food additive, phosphoric acid is used in non-alcoholic beverages, calcium phosphate is used as a powder for baking.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a very important element for human nutrition. It performs several important metabolic functions in the body, e.g. It is involved in enzymatic-catalytic reactions, such as the transmission of energy and stimuli at the muscle level. It also plays a major role in the process of energy generation and transportation, and is also important for muscle contraction and relaxation. Chlorophyll in plants contains a large amount of magnesium.
