Describe the mineral elements, their sources, functions and effects of lacking them in the human body

The human body requires approximately 20 mineral elements in all organs and systems so as to work efficiently. These includes:- calcium, sodium, phosphorous, iron, potassium, chlorine, sulphur and magnesium

Calcium
Functions
- Helps the developments of strong bones and teeth
- It is necessary for normal clotting of blood
- It is necessary the heart muscles

Effects of deficiency
- Rickets and osteomalacia occur in sever cases
- Teeth are of poor quality and badly formed
- Irritability and muscular spasm
Sources
- Milk
- Cheese
- Tinned fish (i.e. fish of which bones are eaten e.g. sardines and salmon)
- Green vegetables
- Hard water

Phosphorous
Functions
- It is important for bone teeth formation
- Necessary for the reproduction of cells
- Necessary for metabolism. It plays an important role in the storage and release of energy in the body and forms parts of the phosphate compounds

Effects of deficiency
- Deficiency is unknown in man
- High intakes of phosphorous in the first few days of life may produce low levels of calcium in the blood and muscular spasms (tetang)

Sources
- Milk and milk products
- Bread and other cereal products
- Meat and meat products

Iron
Functions
- It’s necessary for the formation of haemoglobin in the red blood cells. This transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissue for oxidation.

Effects of deficiency
- Tiredness and lethargy
- Anaemia results in severe cases
Sources
- Liver
- Kidney
- Meats especially black pudding
- Canned beef
- Whole cereals
- Brown and white bread
- Wheat jam
- Pulse vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Parsley
- Treacle
- Curry powder
- Kline
- Soya products etc

Sodium (Na)
Functions
- Necessary for maintaining the correct balance and PH balance (ACID/BASE) in the blood
- It keeps blood and some digestive fluids alkaline

Effects of deficiency
- Law intake of sodium salts result in muscular cramps
NB Very young infants cannot tolerate high sodium intakes because their kidneys cannot excrete excess, so salt should not be added to infants’ diets. High salt intakes in adults is associated with high blood pressure

Sources
- Bacon
- Smokie
- Cheese fish
- Bread
- Butter

Potassium
This element is similar to sodium and is present in all body cells
Sources
- Prunes
- Potatoes
- Brussels
- Brussels sprouts
- Beef
- Offal
- Fish
- Milk
- Eggs
- Cheese

Iodine
Functions
- It is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and its hormones
- Thyroxin which controls the metabolic rate
Effects of deficiency
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland resulting in goiter
- Lack of energy, obesity and mental backwardness

Sources
- Plenty in sea foods and sea weeds
- Most vegetables

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Titany answered the question on October 6, 2021 at 07:00