Question

How does minerals assist in the regulation of many body functions.

Answer 1

Body requires various elements for its effective functioning and development both minerals and vitamins help in the regulation of various functions of the body.

Minerals and vitamins both play a very essential role in the function and development of various organs  

There are two types of minerals either macrominerals or Microminerals

Macrominerals may include-

•Sodium

•Potassium

•Chloride

•Calcium

•Phosphorus

•Magnesium

•Sulfur

* Sodium the normal range of sodium in the body is 135-145 meq/l

it is important for fluid balance and nerve transmission. Sodium is also important to maintain the electrolyte balance.

Sources- mainly found in table salt, soya salt an dprocessed food

*Chloride- It is an anion and plays an important role in fluid balance and for the maintenance of bodys mtabolism. The normal level is 97-107mEq/l

Sources- table salt, soya salt and processed food.

*Potassium- plays a very important role in electrolyte balance know to prevent stroke and cardiovascular conditions the normal level is 3.5-4.5 mEq/l. And may help prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Sources - meat, milk, fresh fruits, legumes Vegetables, whole grains.

*Calcium- calcium plays a very important role in bone growth and development and is also important for blood regulation, blood clotting, immune system regulation.

The normal calcium level is 8.6-10.3mg/dl

Sources-milk and milk products, tofu, vegetable like broccoli, panner, cheese green leafy vegetables and legumes.

Phosphorus- it is important for the development of bones and also works along with b vitamins in regulating cardiovascular function, nerve function, muscle contraction. Helps in the production of atp and in the growth repair and maintenance of tissue.

The normal range is 2.5-4.5 mg/dp

Sources- meat, mulk, processed food, fish, Poultry

*magnesium - important for tissue system development, for protein development, muscle, nerve development.

Sources- nuts legumes, seeds, leafy vegetables, sea food, chocolate.

*sulfur-

Found in protein molecules

Sources-in meat, milk, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts.

Micromineral- these are trace amount of minerals that are required, they include-

*Iron- plays a very important role in blood component development, plays a important part in hemoglobin production, and needed for energy production. Fetal development depends upon the iron content

Sources-meat kidney, legumes, spinach and green leafy vegetables, cerels abd fortufied cerels.

*zinc - plays an important part in genetic make up, taste perception, genetic makeup, normal fetal development, development of sperm, sexual maturation, immune system health.

Sources- meat poultry, whole grain vegetables, fish.

*iodine- found in thyroid hormone, helps in growth, development and maturation.

Sources-sea food , bread and dairy products.

*seleium -antioxidant

Sources- meat, seafood, grains.

*copper- part of many enzymes required for iron metabolism.

Sources- legumes nuts seeds, vegetables

Other minerals include manganese, fluoride, chromium.