What is a mineral and its role in the body?

Minerals are very important for the development of the body, necessary for all activities. If our body lacks minerals, it will cause many very dangerous diseases. So what are minerals? What is the role of minerals in the body ? Will be answered shortly.

What are minerals?

Minerals or minerals are a group of substances that do not produce energy but play many important roles and functions in the body. There are nearly 60 elements, substances with high content are classified as macroelements such as Ca, P, Mg, K, Na; Substances with small content are classified as microelements such as I, F, Cu, Co, Mn, Zn…

The role of minerals in the body

Minerals have an important role in the body:

– Helps in the growth and firmness of bones. Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus are structural components of bones and teeth. In addition, calcium is closely linked to phosphorus metabolism, which is a component that participates in brain muscle structures.

– Acts as a catalyst for enzyme activities .

– Regulate the cardiovascular system , blood circulation, digestion.

– Involved in important chemical reactions of the body. Iron helps synthesize hemoglobin and participates in the composition of many oxidizing enzymes in cellular respiration, iron deficiency causes anemia; Iodine participates in the creation of thirocin, a hormone of the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency is the cause of local goiter; Cu and Co are substances involved in hematopoiesis…

It is a building block of protein and fat in the body. Phosphorus is a major component of a number of important enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, cellular respiration, muscle and nerve functions. In order to burn organic matter, all organic molecules must be bonded with phosphorus.

– Maintain balance of fluids in the body . The participation of minerals helps to balance the osmotic pressure between the inner and outer areas of cells, especially sodium participates in the regulation of water metabolism, affecting the body’s ability to retain water and balance water.

For pregnant women and young children

Minerals are especially important for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.

For pregnant women, it is necessary to provide adequate minerals for the body to ensure the health of both mother and baby , especially with the following 14 minerals: Calcium, chromium, copper, fluorine, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

With young children

Minerals are an essential source of nutrients for the development of fetuses and young children.

– Iodine contributes to the development of the nervous system of the fetus.

Calcium and phosphorus are important components in the structure of bones and teeth. Lack of calcium bones and teeth become spongy, connective tissue changes, this process occurs in children, causing bones to soften, deform (rickets), more serious when vitamin D deficiency.

Selenium helps to strengthen the baby’s immunity.

– Lack of minerals, pregnant women, fetuses and children all face risks for health and complete development; especially dangerous to fetuses and young children.

Explore more:

>> Minerals in the human body and its importance

>> Minerals that need to be supplemented for a healthy body

>> When to supplement vitamins and minerals for children?

Supplement minerals for the body

We can supplement minerals with functional foods, but natural foods are the most complete, diverse, balanced and safe source of minerals for the body. Therefore, a balanced diet is the best way to ensure the necessary minerals for the body.

Food sources of minerals for the body:

Foods rich in macronutrients are found in most leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products.

– Foods rich in trace elements such as meat, fish, eggs, beans, cereals.

What happens when the body lacks minerals?

Lack of minerals , the body will face many health risks and diseases such as:

– Increased chances of getting colds and infections .

– High blood pressure , depression, anxiety.

– No growth or weak bones.

– Pain in muscles and joints.

– Digestive disorders.

Is it okay to add excess minerals?

Daily requirement of some minerals in the elderly:

– Calcium (Ca) 800mg

– Phosphorus (P) 800mg

– Magnesium (Mg) 350mg

– Iron (Fe) 10mg

– Zinc (zinc) 15mg

– Iodine (I) 150mcg

– Selenium (Se) 70mcg.

Excess supplementation can cause mineral toxicity , causing many medical conditions such as: Hair loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, depression, fatigue, glucose intolerance or pre-diabetes, confusion Digestive disorders and malnutrition, Parkinson’s disease, low blood testosterone, vision loss … It is necessary to do tests to determine the state of mineral poisoning in the body and treatment direction.

Source: An Khang pharmacy

In short, minerals are indispensable for the body. Although the body only needs a very small amount of each element, any deficiency or excess can make the body weak and inactive. Hope this article helps you understand what minerals are and how they play a role in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to have a reasonable diet to balance minerals.

You will be interested in:

• What is mineral iodine?
• What is Magnesium or Magnesium Minerals?
• What is the mineral Potassium (K)?
• What is Sodium or Sodium Minerals?

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