Minerals
For years the supplement market has been dominated by vitamins, but vitamins and amino acids
are useless without minerals because all enzyme activities involve minerals.
Minerals are needed to maintain the delicate cellular fluid balance, to form bone and blood cells, to provide for electrochemical nerve activity, and to regulate muscle tone and
activity (including organ muscles like the heart, stomach, liver, etc.)
Calcium
Most calcium in the body is contained in the
bones, but about 1% is used for nerve impulses and muscle contractions
(including heart, kidney, and other organs) that sustain life and provide
movement. Calcium participates in the protein structuring of RNA and DNA (so it
affects the genetic structure and genetic mutations in the body's constant
cellular replacement program).
Deficiencies of calcium and magnesium have been linked by researchers to high blood pressure. Calcium also aids in
reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and even in protection against
colon cancer.If daily calcium intake is inadequate the body steals bone calcium so that you won't die.
In other words, your Blood Serum Calcium and Bone Calcium levels are constantly adjusting to maintain your most vital
body functions. A variety of calcium supplements exist, but absorption will vary greatly depending on the
type of calcium, added cofactor nutrients that enhance calcium uptake, and individual bioabsorption (mainly adequate digestive
acids to dissolve the calcium by the time it reaches the small intestines). Chelated calcium forms like
gluconate, citrate, fulvate, and amino acid chelates are metal-free. The citrate malate
form is to our knowledge the most bioavailable form of calcium ever researched. The poorest sources of calcium are
the carbonate or dolomite type and these types can even contain metallic
aluminum or lead.
Chelated Minerals
Chelation is
the process by which minerals are tightly bound to amino acid molecules or
other organic compounds. This process occurs spontaneously in nature and can
also be synthesised.
Due to this binding process, Chelated Minerals are organic and are easily
absorbed by the body. Chelated minerals can pass easily through the
intestinal wall during digestion and into the blood stream. Minerals,
however, that are not attached to an amino acid, may become bound by other
substances in the digestive tract e.g. phytic acid from cereal grains. This
may inhibit the absorption of these minerals.
An example of a naturally occurring chelate
is chlorophyll. This is a plant pigment involved with photosynthesis that
gives most plants a characteristic green colour. Chlorophyll is a chelate of
magnesium. The haemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the
tissues of the body is a naturally occurring chelate of iron.
Chelated Minerals are manufactured as both dietary supplements and for
intravenous injection that is known as chelation therapy. Chelation therapy
may be helpful for some patients with heart disease, although there is a lack
of well-controlled research studies to substantiate this theory.
In cases of heart or blood vessel disease, plaques build-up on the inside of
the arteries and may become hardened with calcium. Chelating agents may be
able to bind to and eliminate this calcium. The theory is that by giving
chelating agents intravenously, it may be possible to remove calcium from the
arteries and possibly dissolve some of the build-up.
Chelating agents were developed earlier in this century as an antidote for
mustard gas poisoning during wartime. These minerals have the ability to bind
to toxic metals, such as mercury or lead and carry them out of the body.
Chelation may also be useful in cases of iron overload. Chelated minerals can
bind to and eliminate excess iron from the body.
Body Components and Functions
Bones, teeth, nails, blood, heart, skin, and soft
tissue.
? The most important of the 11 nutrients known for
bone/tooth formation, blood clotting, heart rhythm,
nerve tranquilization, nerve
transmission, muscle growth and contractions.
Minerals
Minerals are elements that originate in the Earth and cannot
be made by living organisms. Plants obtain minerals from the soil,
and most of the minerals in our diets come directly from plants
or indirectly from animal sources. Minerals may also be present
in the water we drink, but this varies with geographic locale. Minerals
from plant sources may also vary from place to place, because soil
mineral content varies geographically
Vitamins
For many years the supplement market has been dominated
by vitamins, but vitamins and amino acids are useless without minerals
because all enzyme activities involve minerals. Minerals are needed
to maintain the delicate cellular fluid balance, to form bone and
blood cells, to provide for electrochemical nerve activity, and
to regulate muscle tone and activity (including organ muscles like
the heart, stomach, liver, etc.)
Our bodies need at least 15 minerals to function:
Calcium
Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the human body, has several
important functions. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored
in the bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure.
The remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle,
and the fluid between cells. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction,
blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones
and enzymes, and sending messages through the nervous system.
The physiological functions of calcium are so vital to
survival that the body will demineralize bone to maintain normal
blood calcium levels when calcium intake is inadequate. Thus, adequate
dietary calcium is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skeleton.
A constant level of calcium is maintained in body fluid and tissues
so that these vital body processes function efficiently.
Functions
Calcium is a major structural element in bones and teeth. The
mineral component of bone consists mainly of hydroxyapatite crystals,
which contain large amounts of calcium and phosphate.
-Calcium
plays a role in mediating the constriction and relaxation of blood
vessels (vasoconstriction and vasodilation), nerve impulse transmission,
muscle contraction, and the secretion of hormones like insulin
-Calcium
is necessary to stabilize a number of proteins and enzymes, optimizing
their activities
-Calcium participates in the protein structuring
of RNA and DNA (so it affects the genetic structure and genetic
mutations in the body's constant cellular replacement program.)
-Calcium
is very helpful for decreasing high blood pressure.
-Calcium
also aids in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and
even in protection against colon cancer
-Calcium plays a role
in normal nerve function, and helps blood coagulate when bleeding.
Deficiency Symptoms: muscle cramps, heart palpitations
, nervousness, backache, bone pain, arm
and leg numbness, joint pain, and insomnia. Calcium
deficiency affects bone density and increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Disease Prevention and Treatment: osteoporosis ,colorectal cancer,
kidney stones, lead toxicity, high blood pressure(
hypertension), pregnancy-induced hypertension, premenstrual
syndrome(PMS), arthritis, finger tremors, insomnia,
nervousness, bone pain, overweight, menopause
problem, and rheumatism.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA);1300mg ( 9~18 years ), 1000mg
(19 ~50 ), 1200mg ( 51 +)
Food Sources: Milk and milk products, some dark green leafy vegetables
(kale, broccoli, bok choy), fish with edible bones and tofu made
with calcium sulfate. Many foods are fortified with calcium, such
as some brands of orange juice, bread and soy milk.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that is required by every
cell in the body for normal function .The majority of the phosphorus
in the body is found as phosphate (PO4). Approximately 85% of the
body's phosphorus is found in bone and the other 15% is used for
many other important processes in the body including the metabolism
of red blood cells, and the production of ATP in the energy cycle.
Phosphate is the most abundant intracellular anion and
is vital to the formation of bones and teeth, and healthy
bones and soft tissues require calcium and phosphorus to grow and
develop throughout life
Functions - Phosphorus is a major structural component of bone
in the form of a calcium phosphate salt called hydroxyapatite and
makes up part of DNA and RNA.
Phosphorus helps body cells produce energy and acts as a main
regulator of energy metabolism in body organs.
A number of enzymes,
hormones, and cell-signaling molecules depend on phosphorylation
for their activation Phosphorus also helps to maintain normal acid-base
balance (pH) by acting as one of the body's most important buffers.
Phosphorous plays roles in cell growth and repair and vitamin utilization.
Deficiency Symptoms: loss of appetite, fatigue, bone
pain, muscle weakness, nervous disorders, irregular
breathing, weight loss, and overweight.
Disease Prevention and Treatment:constipation, anemia,
osteomalacia, rickets, arthritis, kidney
stones, Refeeding Syndrome, burns, diabetic ketoacidosis,
hyperparathyroidism, laxative/bowel preparation for
procedures, and total parenteral nutrition.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):1250mg(9~18 years), 700mg(18
+ )
Food Sources: Protein-rich foods are the best sources. Legumes
and nuts rank next.
Bread and baked goods also contain phosphorus.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and
is essential to good health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium
is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells
of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood,
but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant.
Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in
the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps
heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps
bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels,
promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy
metabolism and protein synthesis . There is an increased interest
in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such
as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium
is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through
the kidneys
Functions - Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential
enzymatic metabolic reactions.
The metabolism of carbohydrates and fats to produce energy requires
numerous magnesium-dependent chemical reactions Magnesium is required
for a number of steps during nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) and protein
synthesis
Magnesium plays a structural role in bone, cell membranes,
and chromosomes
Magnesium is essential for the conversion of
vitamin D to its biologically active form that then helps the body
absorb and utilize of calcium
Magnesium plays important roles
in cell signaling and cell migration
Magnesium can improve
energy production within the heart, improve delivery of oxygen to
the heart, reduce demand on the heart, inhibit the formation of
blood clots, and improve heart rate
It also helps maintain nerve and muscle cells and is a component
of bones.
Deficiency Symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue,
weakness, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions ,irregular heart
beat, mental derangement, tremors, easily aroused anger, cramps,
seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and coronary
spasms.
Disease Prevention and Treatment: high blood pressure, coronary
heart disease, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disorders, osteoporosis,
asthma, chronic fatigue, high cholesterol, alcoholism, kidney stone,
prostate troubles, toxemia of pregnancy, and migraine headache.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):240mg(9~13 years), 380mg(14~18),
350mg(19~30), 380mg(31+)
Food sources: Magnesium is found in
all foods in varying amounts. Legumes, nuts, whole grains and green
vegetables are good sources.
Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts, although
its mechanisms of action in the body and the amounts needed for
optimal health are not well defined. It is found primarily in two
forms: 1) trivalent (chromium 3+), which is biologically active
and found in food, and 2) hexavalent (chromium 6+), a toxic form
that results from industrial pollution. This fact sheet focuses
exclusively on trivalent (3+) chromium.
Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin , a hormone
critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and
protein in the body . In 1957, a compound in brewers' yeast was
found to prevent an age-related decline in the ability of rats to
maintain normal levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood . Chromium
was identified as the active ingredient in this so-called "glucose
tolerance factor" in 1959.
Functions
Chromium works with insulin to help the body use glucose (blood
sugar).A biologically active form of chromium participates in glucose
metabolism by enhancing the effects of insulin
chromium helps raise HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind
that escorts bad cholesterol out of your body
Many studies have been done on the muscle-enhancing and fat-reducing
effects of chromium picolinate.
Deficiency Symptoms: diabetic symptoms, including impaired
glucose tolerance, arteriosclerosis, and nerve damage. Symptons
may resemble diabetes.
Disease Prevention and Treatment: diabetes
mellitus, overweight, acne, hypoglycemia, and high blood cholesterol
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):23mcg(9~13 years), 30mcg(14~18),
30mcg(19~50), 25mcg(51+)
Food sources: Good sources include meat,
whole grains and nuts.
Copper
Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for humans and animals
. It helps build bones and make blood. It is also important in forming
elastin and collagen, which are the connective tissues of skin,
muscles, heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Copper is involved in
the healing process, energy production, hair and skin coloring,
and taste sensitivity. It is also needed for healthy nerves and
joints. Although Hippocrates is said to have prescribed copper compounds
to treat diseases as early as 400 B.C. , scientists are still uncovering
new information regarding the functions of copper in the human body.
Functions
-Copper is a critical functional component of a
number of essential enzymes known as cuproenzymes.
- copper
is required for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, which
are essential for the formation of strong and flexible connective
tissue.
-Copper is involved with the regulation of gene expression,
mitochondrial function/cellular metabolism, antioxidant function
as well as the absorption, storage, and metabolism of iron.
-
copper helps make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the
blood.
-The copper-dependent enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, plays
a critical role in cellular energy production.
-A number
of reactions essential to normal function of the brain and nervous
system are catalyzed by cuproenzymes
Deficiency Symptoms:early aging signs, high cholesterol, anemia,
gray hair, baldness, artery wall damage, general weakness, low energy,
slow healing, joint pain, and brain disturbances.
Disease Prevention and Treatment: atherosclerotic cardiovascular
disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, immune
system malfunction, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), anemia,
high cholesterol, and skin unelasticity.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):700mcg(9~13years), 890mcg(14~18),
900mcg(19+)
Food sources: Organ meats, especially liver; seafood, nuts and
seeds. Cooking in copper pots also increases copper content of foods.
Fluoride
Fluoride is considered a trace element because only small
amounts are present in the body (about 2.6 grams in adults), and
because the daily requirement for maintaining dental health is only
a few milligrams a day. Calcium by itself won't build a molecule
of bone. To use the calcium, your body has to have adequate supplies
of at least 9 other minerals; and flouride is one of those minerals.
Functions - calcium and fluoride helps in rebuilding bone loss
and prevents new spinal fractures in patients with osteoporosis
The predominant mineral elements in bone are crystals of calcium
and phosphate, known as hydroxyapatite crystals.
Fluoride helps harden tooth enamel, protecting teeth from decay.
Deficiency Symptoms: weak tooth enamel.
Disease Prevention
and Treatment: Dental caries (cavities and tooth decay), and osteoporosis.
Recommended
Daily Allowance (RDA):2mg(9~13 years), 3mg(14~18), 4mg(19+)
Food sources: Tea (especially if made with fluoridated water)
and fish with edible bones, such as canned salmon. Many communities
add fluoride to the water supply, and fluoride supplements may be
used with a doctor's supervision. Some types of cooking materials,
such as Teflon, can increase the fluoride content of foods.
Iodine
Iodine, a non-metallic trace element, is required by humans for
the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is an important
health problem throughout much of the world. Most of the earth's
iodine is found in oceans, and iodine content in the soil varies
with region. The older an exposed soil surface, the more likely
the iodine has been leached away by erosion. Mountainous regions,
such as the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, and flooded river
valleys, such as the Ganges, are among the most severely iodine-deficient
areas in the world.
Functions
-Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine
(T3) and thyroxine (T4), and is therefore essential for normal thyroid
function.
- thyroid hormones regulate a number of physiologic
processes, including growth, development, and reproductive function
-Iodine is part of thyroid hormone, which regulates the body's
rate of energy use.
Deficiency Symptoms: thyroid gland enlargement (goiter), hypothyroidism,
intellectual disability, dry hair, irritability, hearing loss, overweight,
and growth retardation. Use of iodized salt has virtually
eliminated iodine deficiency as a cause of goiter.
Disease Prevention and Treatment:goiter, congenital hypothyroidism,
arteriosclerosis, growth and developmental abnormality, bacterial
conjunctivitis, Graves disease, hearing loss, and Ophthalmia neonatorum
prevention.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA);120mcg(9~13years), 150mcg(14~18),
150mcg(18+)
Food sources: Found naturally in saltwater fish and
foods grown near coastal areas. Iodine is added to salt.
Iron
- Iron has the longest and best described history among all the
micronutrients. It is a key element in the metabolism of almost
all living organisms. In humans, , Iron is an essential mineral
and an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transport
and metabolism. Iron is also an essential cofactor in the synthesis
of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
About 15 percent of the body's iron is stored for future needs and
mobilized when dietary intake is inadequate. The body usually maintains
normal iron status by controlling the amount of iron absorbed from
food.
Almost two-thirds of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin,
the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Smaller
amounts of iron are found in myoglobin, a protein that helps supply
oxygen to muscle, and in enzymes that assist biochemical reactions.
Iron is also found in proteins that store iron for future needs
and that transport iron in blood. Iron stores are regulated by intestinal
iron absorption .
Functions
-Hemoglobin and myoglobin are iron-containing proteins
that are involved in the oxigen transport .
- Cytochromes (iron-containing
compounds) are critical to cellular energy production and
therefore, life, through their roles in mitochondrial electron transport
iron
is essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation
iron plays roles in oxygen sensing and DNA synthesis.
Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, fatigue, taste loss, breathing and
swallowing difficulty, brittle and spoon-shaped nail, sores at the
corners of the mouth, a sore tongue, and infections. Deficiencies
are more common among women with regular menstrual periods.
Disease Prevention and Treatment: anemia, Impaired intellectual
development in children, lead toxicity, impaired immune function,
Restless legs syndrome, fatigue, pregnancy complications.
Alcoholism, colitis, and menstrual problems.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA): 8mg(9~13 years), 13mg(14~18),
8mg(19~50 male), 18mg(19~50 female), 8mg(51+)
Food sources: Some
iron from animal sources is better absorbed than plant sources.
Sources include meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts and seeds,
breads, cereals and other grain products.
Manganese
Manganese is a mineral element that is nutritionally essential.
Many people are deficient in this mineral because as much as 75
percent of all manganese is lost in the refining of wheat to white
flour.
Functions
-Manganese plays an essential part of proper bone
and cartilage formation, it helps build and support strong bones
in your body.
-Manganese plays an important role in a number
of physiologic processes as a constituent of some enzymes and an
activator of other enzymes
- Manganese play important roles
in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol
-
Manganese plays a role in wound healing process that requires increased
production of collagen.
Deficiency Symptoms: impaired growth, transient skin rash,
dizziness, hearing loss, and decreased serum cholesterol level.
Disease Prevention and Treatment; osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus,
epilepsy (seizure disorders), allergy, asthma, and fatigue.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):1.8mg(9~13years), 2.0mg(14~18),
2.1mg(19+)
Food sources: Whole grain products, tea and some fruits
and vegetables such as pineapple, kale and strawberries.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is an essential trace element for virtually all life
forms. It functions as a cofactor for a number of enzymes that catalyze
important chemical transformations in the global carbon, nitrogen,
and sulfur cycles . Thus, molybdenum-dependent enzymes are not only
required for human health, but also for the health of our ecosystem.
Functions
Molybdenum works with riboflavin to incorporate iron into hemoglobin
for red blood cells.
The biological form of molybdenum, present in almost all molybdenum-containing
enzymes (molybdoenzymes)
Molybdenum functions as a component in several enzymes that are
involved in alcohol detoxification, uric acid formation, and sulfur
metabolism
Presumably the anticancer effects of molybdenum stem from its
role in the detoxification of cancer-causing chemicals
Deficiency symptoms: rapid heart and respiratory rates, headache,
and night blindness.
Disease Prevention and Treatment; gastroesophageal cancer, copper
poisoning, Crohn's disease, and improper carbohydrate metabolism.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA): 34mcg(9~13 years), 43mcg(14~18),
45mcg(19+)
Food sources: Milk, legumes, breads and grain products.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health
but required only in small amounts . Selenium is incorporated into
proteins to make 25 selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant
enzymes. The antioxidant properties of selenoproteins help prevent
cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals are natural by-products
of oxygen metabolism that may contribute to the development of chronic
diseases such as cancer and heart disease .
Selenium deficiency is commonly seen in patients on total
parenteral nutrition (TPN) as their sole source of nutrition. Gastrointestinal
disorders may decrease the absorption of selenium resulting in depletion
or deficiency. Selenium may be destroyed when foods are refined
or processed.
Functions - Selenium is incorporated into proteins to make 25
kind of selenoproteins, which are important antioxidant enzymes
Selenium works as an powerful antioxidant with vitamin E to protect
body cells from damage that may lead to cancer, heart disease and
other health problems. selenium help regulate thyroid function and
play a role in cell growth and viality. Selenium is thought
to play a important role in muscle metabolism Selenium is expressed
exclusively in testes and is thought to function in spermatogenesis.
Selenium may also be involved in inflammatory and immune responses
.
Deficiency Symptoms: age spot, heart attack, stroke, heart disease
symptoms, muscular dysfunction, immune system disorder, skin disorder,
and early aging signs.
Disease prevention and Treatment: cardiovascular disease, cardiomyopathy,
heart attack, stroke, muscular dystrophy, immune system disorder,
Alzheimer disease, cancer, viral infection, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
Keshan disease, asthma, burns, cataracts, chemotherapy side
effect , cystic fibrosis, skin disorder, and HIV (aids).
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA): 40mcg(9~13years), 55mcg(14~18),
55mcg(19+)
Food sources: Seafood, liver, kidney and other meats.
Grain products and seeds also contain selenium, but the amount depends
on the type of soil in which they were grown.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell
and forms part of over 200 enzymes that have functions ranging from
proper action of body hormones to cell growth. Because the body
readily uses zinc for many different functions, it constantly needs
to be replaced. Sufficient levels of zinc are very important for
the body's immunity and strength.
The significance of zinc in human nutrition and public health
was recognized relatively recently. Clinical zinc deficiency in
humans was first described in 1961, when the consumption of diets
with low zinc bioavailability due to high phytic acid content (see
Food sources) was associated with "adolescent nutritional dwarfism"
in the Middle East . Since then, zinc insufficiency has been recognized
by a number of experts as an important public health issue, especially
in developing countries.
Zinc plays a vital role during pregnancy, and because of that,
the dosage taken during pregnancy should be increased
Functions
-Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300
different enzymes and plays a vital role in an enormous number of
biological processes
-Zinc is a cofactor for the antioxidant
enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and is in a number of enzymatic
reactions involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
-Nearly
100 different enzymes depend on zinc for their ability to catalyze
vital chemical reactions.
-Zinc plays an important role in the
structure of proteins and cell membranes
-Zinc finger proteins
have been found to regulate gene expression by acting as transcription
factors
-Zinc plays a role in cell signaling and has been found
to influence hormone release and nerve impulse transmission.
-Male
hormone metabolism, sperm formation, and sperm motility are all
associated with levels of zinc.
-Zinc is essential for growth,
cell reproduction, tissue growth, repair and wound healing
Deficiency Symptoms; slowing or cessation of growth and development,
delayed sexual maturation, characteristic skin rashes, chronic and
severe diarrhea, immune system deficiencies, impaired wound healing,
poor appetite, night blindness, swelling and clouding of the corneas,
fatigue, loss of taste , sterility, behavioral disturbances
and reduced resistance to infection are symptoms.
Disease prevention and Treatment: Impaired growth and development,
Impaired immune system function, diarrhea, alcoholism, alzheimers,
arterosclerosis ,gastric ulcer, sickle cell anemia infertility,
high cholesterol, osteoporosis, pneumonia, malaria, pregnancy complications,
common cold, diabetes mellitus, muscular degeneration, and HIV (AIDS)
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):8mg(9~13years), 10mg(14~18),
10mg(18+)
Food sources; Meat, liver and seafood are the best
sources. Whole-grain products, wheat bran, legumes and soybeans
are good sources.
Chloride
Salt (sodium chloride) is essential for life. The tight regulation
of the body's sodium and chloride concentrations is so important
that multiple mechanisms work in concert to control them. Although
scientists agree that a minimal amount of salt is required for survival,
the health implications of excess salt intake represent an area
of considerable controversy among scientists, clinicians, and public
health experts. Excess chloride may be linked to high blood pressure
in chloride-sensitive people, but more study is needed
Functions - Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) are the principal
ions in the fluid outside of cells (extracellular fluid), which
includes blood plasma. As such, they play critical roles in a number
of life-sustaining processes
Sodium and chloride are electrolytes that contribute to the maintenance
of concentration and charge differences across cell membranes. Tight
control of cell membrane potential is critical for nerve impulse
transmission, muscle contraction, and cardiac function
Chloride, in the form of hydrochloric acid (HCl), is an important
component of gastric juice, which aids the digestion and absorption
of many nutrients (2, 5).
Deficiency Symptoms: Heavy, persistent sweating, chronic
diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, respiratory failure, heat exhaustion,
impaired carbohydrate digestion, some
forms of kidney disease, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue, disorientation,
and fainting
Disease Prevention and Treatment:gastric cancer, osteoporosis,
kidney stones, heat prostration, sun stroke, muscular weakness and
mental apathy.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):3.8g(9~13years), 3.8g(14~18),
3.8g(19~50), 3.3g(50~70), 3.0g(70+)
Food sources: Sea salt, kelp,
shellfish. The best source is table salt.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential dietary mineral and electrolyte. The
term electrolyte refers to a substance that dissociates into ions
(charged particles) in solution, making it capable of conducting
electricity. Normal body function depends on tight regulation of
potassium concentrations both inside and outside of cells
Potassium interacts with sodium to conduct nerve impulses
and many other functions in the cells. In the past, high potassium
foods used to dominate, but unfortunately through evolution, our
food has become saturated with sodium.
Functions - Potassium helps regulate fluids and mineral balance
in and out of body cells .The concentration differences between
potassium and sodium across cell membranes create an electrochemical
gradient known as the membrane potential. Tight control of cell
membrane potential is critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle
contraction, and heart function .
The activation of sodium, potassium-ATPase requires the presence
of sodium and potassium. The presence of potassium is also required
for the activity of pyruvate kinase, an important enzyme in carbohydrate
metabolism (2).
The reversal in the potassium/sodium ratio has increased the
incidence of high blood pressure; but studies show that increasing
dietary potassium intake will lower blood pressure
Deficiency Symptoms: muscle weakness and cramps, and intestinal
paralysis, bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain, muscular
paralysis or abnormal heart rhythms , insomnia, acne, dry skin,
thirsty, prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, kidney problems ,weakness,
appetite loss, nausea and fatigue. Supplements may be necessary
for people taking high blood pressure medication .
Disease prevention and Treatment:stroke, hypertention, osteoporosis,
kidney stones, angina, diabetes, heart attack, acne, alcoholism,
allergy and burn.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):4500mg(9~13years), 4700mg(14~18),
4700mg(18+)
Food sources: Fruits, vegetables, fresh meat, poultry
and fish. Particularly good sources include apricots, avocados,
bananas, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, oranges, prunes,
strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes and dried fruits.
Sodium
Salt (sodium chloride) is essential for life. The tight regulation
of the body's sodium and chloride concentrations is so important
that multiple mechanisms work in concert to control them. Although
scientists agree that a minimal amount of salt is required for survival,
the health implications of excess salt intake represent an area
of considerable controversy among scientists, clinicians, and public
health experts. Sodium is one of the three main electrolytes in
the body. Without electrolytes, the body would completely stop working.
Healthy people excrete excess sodium, but some kidney diseases
interfere with sodium excretion, leading to fluid retention and
swelling. Sodium-sensitive people may experience high blood pressure
eating a daily diet that contains high levels of sodium.
Functions - Sodium helps regulate movement of fluids in and out
of body cells
Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) are the principal ions
in the fluid outside of cells (extracellular fluid), which includes
blood plasma. As such, they play critical roles in a number of life-sustaining
processes
Sodium and chloride are electrolytes that contribute to the maintenance
of concentration and charge differences across cell membranes. Tight
control of cell membrane potential is critical for nerve impulse
transmission, muscle contraction, and cardiac function
Absorption of sodium in the small intestine plays an important
role in the absorption of chloride, amino acids, glucose, and water.
It is also an important component of gastric juice, which aids the
digestion and absorption of many nutrients
Sodium is the primary determinant of extracellular fluid volume.
Sodium retention results in water retention and sodium loss results
in water loss.
Deficiency Symptoms: Heavy, persistent sweating, chronic diarrhea,
vomiting, nausea, respiratory failure, heat exhaustion, dizziness,
impaired carbohydrate digestion, some
forms of kidney disease, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue, disorientation,
and fainting
Disease prevention and Treatment; gastric cancer, osteoporosis,
kidney stones, heat prostration, sun stroke, muscular weakness and
mental apathy.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA):1.5g(9~13years), 1.5g(14~18),
1.5g(19~50), 1.3g(51~70), 1.2g(70+)
Food sources: Processed foods
account for about 75 percent of the sodium we eat. Another 25 percent
comes from table salt. Only a small amount occurs naturally in food.