Minerals

The minerals form only a small portion of the total body weight. They form only 7% of the composition of human body.
Many of these minerals are widely distributed in foods so that a well-balanced diet will supply them in sufficient quantities.
The mineral elements present in the animal body may be classified into 2 groups:
1.Principal elements(macro nutrients)
2.Trace elements(micro nutrients)

1. MINERALS

2. Minerals The minerals form only a small portion of the total body weight. They form only 7% of the composition of human body. Many of these minerals are widely distributed in foods so that a well-balanced diet will supply them in sufficient quantities. The mineral elements present in the animal body may be classified into 2 groups: 1.Principal elements (macro nutrients) 2.Trace elements (micro nutrients)

3. Classification of minerals Principle elements(Macro nutrients) These elements occur in living tissues in comparatively large amounts. They constitute 60-80% of all the inorganic material in the body. Trace elements(Micro nutrients) These elements occur in living tissues in small amounts. They required in amounts greater than 100mg/day .

4. PHOSPHORUS Phosphorus is found in every cell of the human body. A major part of this (about 80% of the total) is present in combination with calcium in the bones and teeth. About 10% is combined with proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The remaining 10% is widely distributed in various chemical compounds.

5. Absorption Phosphate absorption occurs from jejunum 1. Calcitriol promotes phosphate uptake along with calcium. 2. Absorption of phosphorus and calcium is optimum when the dietary ratio of Ca and P is between 1:2 and 2:1. 3. The kidney is the major pathway of excretion of the phosphorus absorbed. Functions it is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. It is a constituent of phospholipids- lecithin and cephalin , which are integral parts of the cell structure and also act as intermediates in fat transport and metabolism. It plays a central role for the formation and utilisation of high energy phosphate compounds such as ATP, ADP etc.

6. 4. They form important components of nucleic acids like DNA & RNA. 5. Phosphate buffer system is important for the maintanence of pH in the blood. 6. It is an esential component of several nucleotide coenzymes e.g : NAD+, NADP+ MAGNESIUM # The adult body contains about 20g magnesium, 70% of which is found in bones in combination with calcium and phosphorus. # The remaining 30% occurs in the soft tissues and body fluids.

7. Dietary requirements Adult man – 350 mg/day Adult woman – 300 mg/day Absorption Magnesium is absorbed by the intestinal cells through a specific carrier system. About 50% of the dietary Mg is normally absorbed. Consumption of large amounts of calcium, phosphate and alcohol diminidhes Mg absorption.

8. Mg is required for the formation of bones and teeth . Mg 2+ serves a cofactor for several enzymes requiring ATP. e .g : hexokinase , glucokinase , phosphofructokinase , adenylate cyclase . Mg2+ is necessary for proper neuromuscular function. Low Mg2+ levels lead to neuromuscular irritability. Disease states Magnesium deficiency causes neuromuscular irritation, weakness and convulsions. These symptoms are similar to that observed in tetany . Low levels of Mg may be observed in uremia, rickets and abnormal pregnancy.

9. CHLORINE The element chlorine is present as a component of sodium chloride. The chloride concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is higher than that in other body fluids, including the gastrointestinal secretions. The source of chlorine is common salt .

10. Functions Chloride is involved in the regulation of acid-base equilibrium, fluid balance and osmotic pressure. These functions are carried out by the interaction of chloride with Na+ and K+. Chloride is necessary for the formation of Hcl in the gastric juice. Chloride shift involves the active participation of Cl -. The enzyme salivary amylase is activated by chloride.

11. COPPER The body contains about 100mg copper distributed in different organs. Dietary requirements Adults - 2-3 mg/day Infants and children - 0.5-2 mg/day Sources Liver, kidey , meat, egg yolk, cereals, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Milk is a poor source.

12. Absorption About 10% of dietary copper is absorbed, mainly in the duodenum. Metallthionein is a transport protein that facilitates copper absorption. Wilson disease It is characterised by an abnormal copper metabolism. Large amount of copper accumulates in the liver and lenticular nucleus of brain. It leads of hepatic cirrhosis and brain necrosis. Copper in the urine increases and leads to renal damage.

13. Normal brain Brain necrosis

14. It is a component of certain enzymes like cytochrome oxidase , ascorbic acid oxidase , uricase etc. It is necessary for the synthesis of melanin and phospholipids . It is essential for the formation of myelin sheath in the nerve fibres . It helps in the absorption, transport and utilization of iron . Hemocyanin , a copper protein complex in invertebrates, functions like hemoglobin for oxygen transport.

15. ZINC The total content of zinc in an adult body is about 2g. Prostrate gland is very rich in zn (100 mg/g) The concentration of Zn in serum is about 100 mg/dl. Erythrocytes contain higher content of Zn (1.5 mg/dl) which is found in association with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase .

16. Functions 1. It is a component of certain enzymes like carbonic anhydrase , alcohol dehydrogenase , superoxide dismutase etc. 2. Zinc may be regarded as an antioxidan t . The enzyme superoxide dismutase protects the body from free radical damage. 3. The storage and secretion of insulin from beta cells of pancreas require Zn. 4. Zn required for wount healing and enchances cell growth and division. 5. Gusten , a zinc containing protein of the saliva, is important for taste sensation. 6. It is essential for proper reproduction.

17. MANGANESE The total body content of manganese is about 15 mg. T he liver and kidney are rich in Mn . Within the cells, Mn is mainly found in the nuclei in association with nucleic acids. Manganese in the serum is bound to a specific carrier protein- transmagnanin .

18. Foods high in manganese

19. Functions It serve as a cofactor for several enzymes. Mn is necessary for the cholestrol biosynthesis. Mn inhibits lipid peroxidation . It is necessary for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins . Disease states Mn deficiency in animals causes 1. R etarded growth, bone deformities and in severe deficieny . 2. Accumulation of fat in liver.

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