Mineral Salts - SS1 Biology Lesson Note
Minerals are inorganic substances that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. They are categorized as micronutrients because they are required in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Here are some important minerals in nutrition:
1. Calcium: Calcium is crucial for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It is also involved in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
2. Iron: Iron is necessary to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It is also involved in energy production and immune function.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, protein synthesis, and muscle and nerve function. It also helps regulate blood pressure and supports bone health.
4. Zinc: Zinc is important for immune function, wound healing, and the metabolism of proteins and DNA. It also plays a role in taste perception and supports normal growth and development.
5. Iodine: Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and growth. It is important for proper thyroid function and plays a crucial role in fetal brain development during pregnancy.
6. Selenium: Selenium acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage. It is also involved in thyroid function, immune response, and reproduction.
7. Potassium: Potassium is essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function. It plays a role in regulating blood pressure and is involved in heart and kidney function.
8. Sodium: Sodium is involved in maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function. It is an important electrolyte and plays a role in regulating blood pressure.
9. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is necessary for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It is also involved in energy production, cell signaling, and DNA synthesis.
10.Copper: Copper is involved in the production of red blood cells, collagen formation, and iron metabolism. It also acts as an antioxidant and is important for proper brain function.
11.Manganese: Manganese is involved in bone formation, collagen production, and energy metabolism. It also acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in the functioning of the nervous system.
Mineral dietary deficiencies occur when there is an inadequate intake or absorption of essential minerals, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. Here are some common mineral deficiencies:
1. Iron Deficiency: Iron is crucial for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and decreased immune function.
2. Calcium Deficiency: Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to weak bones (osteoporosis), muscle cramps, and increased risk of fractures.
3. Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production and nerve function. Deficiency can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, and irritability.
4. Zinc Deficiency: Zinc is involved in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can lead to delayed growth, impaired immune function, hair loss, and skin problems.
5. Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and growth. Insufficient iodine intake can result in thyroid disorders, such as goiter and hypothyroidism.
6. Selenium Deficiency: Selenium acts as an antioxidant and is important for thyroid function and immune response. Deficiency may contribute to an increased risk of certain cancers and thyroid disorders.
7. Potassium Deficiency: Potassium is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Deficiency can cause muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, and fatigue.
8. Sodium Deficiency: Sodium is necessary for maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function. While excessive sodium intake is more common, low sodium levels can occur due to certain health conditions or excessive sweating, leading to weakness, nausea, confusion, and seizures.
9. Phosphorus Deficiency: Phosphorus is essential for bone and teeth formation, energy production, and acid-base balance. Deficiency is rare but can occur in conditions like severe malnutrition and certain kidney disorders, resulting in muscle weakness, bone pain, and poor growth.
Figure 72 image from researchgate.net