Essential Mineral Elements: Definition, Function, Types

What Are Mineral Elements?

Mineral elements are otherwise known as inorganic substances that turn out to be essential for living organisms to perform physiological functions. They participate in the maintenance of an organism's structure of cells, tissues, and organs and assist a large array of biochemical processes. They do not, however, serve as sources of energy. Nevertheless, mineral elements could be equated with nutrient requirements in promoting growth, development, and normal health.

Besides all these, minerals are also needed in forming bones and teeth, maintaining a balance of fluids, contracting muscles, and transmitting nerve impulses. Enzymes and hormones largely depend on minerals as a part of them; they enhance the metabolism and activity of the cells. Deficiencies arise in many disorders of the organism.

Mineral elements fall into two major groups: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are required in relatively large amounts, for example, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Micronutrients are those required in smaller quantities yet are equally essential, such as iron, zinc, and iodine.

Classification Of Minerals

Minerals are broadly divided into the following categories based on the amount required by the body:

• Macronutrients: Required in larger amounts

• Micronutrients: Required in smaller amounts

Macronutrients

Macro means that the body needs them in a larger amount. They are required in all Physiological activities.

Calcium

• It is responsible for bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

• The sources of calcium are dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and tofu.

• The deficiency symptoms are osteoporosis, rickets, and muscle cramps.

Phosphorous

• Its functions are in energy production - ATP, maintenance of the bone and teeth, and cellular repair.

• The sources of this mineral are meat, milk, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

• Weakness, bone pain, rickets.

Potassium (K)

• Functions: Nerve function, muscle contraction, fluid balance.

• Sources: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach.

• Deficiency Symptoms: weakness, muscle cramps, and an irregular heartbeat.

Sulfur (S)

• Functions: Protein synthesis, enzyme function, detoxification.

• Sources: A source of this nutrient is in meat, fish, and eggs as well as in garlic and onions.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Joint pain, muscle weakness, skin problems.

Sodium (Na)

• Functions: Fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction.

• Sources: This nutrient can be found in.

• Sources: Nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens.

• Deficiency symptoms: Muscle cramps, mental disorders, osteoporosis.

Chlorine (Cl)

• Functions: Fluid balance, digestion (it is a component of hydrochloric acid in the stomach).

• Sources: Table salt, seaweed, tomatoes.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, fatigue, weakened immunity.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are minerals that are only required in minute quantities but are also engaged in multiple bodily processes, including the activities of enzymes.

Zinc (Zn)

• Functions: Immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing.

• Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Growth retardation, alopecia, slow wound healing.

Copper (Cu)

• Functions: Iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, antioxidant defence.

• Sources: Shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, bone abnormalities, cardiovascular problems.

Iodine (I)

• Functions: Thyroid hormone production, metabolic regulation.

• Sources: Iodized salt, seafood, dairy products.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Goiter, hypothyroidism, developmental issues.

Selenium (Se)

• Functions: Antioxidant protection, thyroid function, immune response.

• Sources: Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, eggs.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Keshan disease, immune dysfunction, thyroid issues.

Molybdenum (Mo)

• Functions: Enzyme function, detoxification.

• Sources: Legumes, grains, nuts.

• Deficiency Symptoms: Rare, metabolic issues, neurological symptoms.

Essential Mineral Elements In Plants

Mineral elements are indispensable for the growth, development, and overall well-being of plants to flourish. They are taken from the soil and participate in photosynthesis, transport, and structural integrity.

• Absorption of Mineral Elements

• Transport from root to shoot

• Role in metabolic processes

Absorption Of Mineral Elements By Plants

Plants normally take up minerals from the soil through their root based on several processes of both active and passive transport.

• Root hairs which increase surface area

• Mycorrhizal associations enhance uptake

• Active transport processes

Functions Of Mineral Elements In Plants

The functions of mineral elements in plants are many and involve the synthesis of nutrients, cell division, and disease resistance in the development of plants.

• Photosynthesis and chlorophyll production

• Enzyme activation and activity

• Structural support and growth

Role Of Essential Minerals In Human Health

Essential minerals are vital for many functions of the body and hence for good health. Minerals contribute to the structural formation of the body and the proper functioning and regulation of a plethora of biological functions.

Bone Health

• Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium

Blood And Oxygen Transport

• The function of iron

Nerve Function And Muscle Contraction

• The role of potassium, sodium, and calcium

Enzyme Function And Metabolism

• The role of zinc, copper, and manganese

Deficiency Disorders And Symptoms

Due to the deficiency of vital minerals, it can cause various health disorders and symptoms and affect well-being and many different functions of the body.

• Osteoporosis

• Anemia

• Goiter

Diagnosis And Treatment

• Diagnostic tests

• Supplementation and dietary adjustments

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