BIOLOGY

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

Topic:
FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
OF MINERALS

SUBMITTed by:
M. Ishraq begum
Class Xi-a
Roll no. 19
Minerals are essential nutrients for every living cell in the human body. It
is defined as all the inorganic elements or molecules required for life. Minerals
assist in body functions such as producing energy, growing and healing. Minerals
are required for fluid balance, blood and bone development, maintaining a
healthy nervous system, and regulating muscles, including heart muscles.
Minerals, like vitamins, function as coenzymes. They participate in all enzyme
reactions in the body and help in the assimilation and use of vitamins and other
nutrients.

Minerals occur either as bulk minerals (macrominerals) or trace minerals

(microminerals). The body needs more bulk minerals than it does trace minerals,
although both are essential for health. Minerals are consumed in food and plant-
eating animals. These sources of minerals develop in a sequence
that takes millions of years, beginning with rock formation, the
breakdown of rocks into mineral salts, and the assimilation of
these salts into soil that nourishes edible plants.

Recommended daily allowances exist for a number of minerals,

such as calcium. However, minimum daily requirements for some
minerals such as boron, chromium, and molybdenum, do not
exist. The essential bulk minerals include:

Calcium:
Essential for strong bones and teeth, healthy gums, and
bone growth and mineral density in children. Calcium helps
regulate the heart rate and nerve impulses, lower cholesterol,
prevent atherosclerosis, develop muscles, and prevent muscle
cramping. Calcium is an important component of blood
clotting.

Magnesium:
Assists in the utilization of calcium and potassium, and
functions in enzyme reactions to produce energy. Magnesium
protects the lining of arteries and helps form bones. It helps
prevent cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and some
cancers. By acting with vitamin B 6 , magnesium can help
prevent or dissolve calcium oxylate kidney stones, the most
common kind of stones.

Sodium:
Sodium and potassium are electrolytes that must be
balanced in the body. Since most people get more than enough
salt in the diet, potassium may be needed to balance it.
Together, these minerals control fluid balance through a
mechanism called "the sodium/potassium pump."

Potassium:
Important for a healthy nervous system and a steady heart
rate, helps to prevent stroke ,and, with sodium, is critical in
maintaining fluid balance. Potassium, an electrolyte, must be
balanced with sodium.
Phosphorus:
Helps form bones and teeth, supports cell growth, and
regulates heart muscle contraction and kidney function.
Phosphorus converts food to energy and supports the
utilization of vitamins. Phosphorus is closely related to
calcium and the two minerals should be in balance with each
other and with magnesium. Calcium and phosphorus are
stored in the bones as crystals of calcium phosphate. Milk,
eggs, and green, leafy vegetables are rich in calcium and
phosphate.

Trace minerals essential for human health include:

Boron:
Required for healthy bones, brain function, alertness, and
the metabolism of bulk minerals such as calcium, phosphorus,
and magnesium. Boron supplements can improve calcium
levels as well as vitamin D levels, and can help prevent
osteoporosis in postmenopausal women by promoting calcium
absorption.

Chromium:
Required for maintaining energy levels. Chromium helps
metabolize glucose and stabilize glucose levels. It helps the
body manufacture and use cholesterol and protein.

Copper:
Helps form healthy bones, joints, and nerves as well
as hemoglobin and red blood cells. Copper contributes to
healing, energy production, taste, and hair and skin color. It is
essential in forming collagen for healthy bones and connective
tissue, and helps prevent osteoporosis.

Germanium:
Helps improve the delivery of oxygen to tissues and
remove toxins and poisons from the body. Germanium gives
garlic its natural antibiotic properties.

Iodine:
Helps promote healthy physical and mental development in
children. Iodine is required for thyroid gland function and
metabolizing fats. Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormone,
which has a variety of roles in human embryo development.

Iron:
Critical in the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-
carrying protein in red blood cells, and myoglobin found in
muscle tissue. Iron is essential for important enzyme
reactions, growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
In the blood, iron is found in larger amounts than any other
mineral.

Manganese:
Essential for metabolizing fat and protein, regulating blood
glucose, and supporting immune system and nervous system
function. Manganese is necessary for normal bone growth and
cartilage development. It is involved in reproductive functions
and helps produce mother's milk. Along with B vitamins,
manganese produces feelings of well-being.

Molybdenum:
Found in bones, kidneys, and liver. Only extremely small
amounts are needed to metabolize nitrogen and promote
proper cell function. Molybdenum is present in beans, peas,
legumes, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.

Selenium:
An important antioxidant that works with vitamin E to
protect the immune system, heart, and liver, and may help
prevent tumor formation.

Silicon:
 Helps form bones and connective tissue, nails, skin, and
hair. Silicon is important in preventing cardiovascular disease.

Sulfur:
Disinfects the blood and helps to rid the body of harmful
bacteria and toxic substances.

Vanadium:
Vital to cell metabolism, and helps reduce cholesterol and
form healthy bones and teeth. Vanadium functions in
reproduction.

Zinc:
Important in the growth of reproductive organs and
regulation of oil glands. Zinc is required for protein synthesis,
immune system function, protection of the liver, collagen
formation, and wound healing. A component of insulin and
major body enzymes, zinc helps vitamin absorption,
particularly vitamins A and E.

Mineral deficiency is a reduced level of any of

the minerals essential to human health. An abnormally low
mineral concentration is usually defined as a level that may
impair a function dependent on that mineral.

Calcium and phosphorus deficiencies:

Calcium and phosphorus are plentiful in foods, and dietary
deficiencies are rare. Vitamin D deficiency impairs the
absorption of dietary calcium and can provoke calcium
deficiency (hypocalcemia) even when adequate calcium is
consumed. Vitamin D deficiency can be found among young
infants and the elderly who may be shielded from sunshine for
prolonged periods. As women age, reductions in the hormone
estrogen can affect the rate of calcium loss. Significant
depletion of calcium stores can lead to osteoporosis.
Deficiency of calcium or imbalances with phosphorus and
magnesium can produce muscle cramping and digestive
problems. Symptoms of calcium deficiency include joint pain ,
brittle nails, eczema, high cholesterol , insomnia, high blood
pressure, nervousness, and tooth decay . Calcium deficiency
can also contribute to cognitive problems (confusion,
inattention, learning, and memory), convulsions, depression,
and hyperactivity. Phosphorus deficiency can produce
anxiety .

Sodium and potassium deficiencies:

Deficiency or imbalance in sodium and potassium does not
usually result from a lack of these minerals in the diet, but
from imbalances in body fluids. This can be caused by
excessive losses of body fluid (dehydration) from severe
diarrhea or vomiting; laxative abuse; or during treatment of
heart disease or high blood pressure (hypertension) with
diuretic drugs, which are used to reduce fluid overload.
Sodium and potassium imbalances can cause cardiac
arrhythmias and shock (a reduced flow of blood and oxygen to
tissues throughout the body). Although diarrheal fluids deplete
a number of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride,
calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium), the main concern in
avoiding shock is replacing sodium and water. Potassium
deficiency alone can also affect nerve function.

Magnesium deficiency:
Dietary magnesium deficiency is rare because the mineral
is found in nearly all foods, but it can occur through poor diet
or in malnutrition, or result from excessive losses due to
severe diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms of magnesium
deficiency include faulty transmission of nerve and muscle
impulses, irritability, nervousness, and tantrums . Confusion,
poor digestion, rapid or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and
seizures can also result. Magnesium deficiency is associated
with cardiac arrest, asthma , chronic fatigue syndrome,
chronic pain, depression, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome ,
and lung conditions.

Boron deficiency:
Boron deficiency is rare, although reduced levels do occur
with aging and with reduced levels of vitamin D. Because
boron is involved in the absorption of calcium, the only
symptom may be reduced levels of calcium or the inability to
absorb supplemental calcium.

Chromium deficiency:
Many Americans are deficient in dietary chromium, which
can be associated with poor regulation of insulin and related
imbalances in glucose (either diabetes or hypoglycemia).
Symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, poor protein metabolism,
and glucose intolerance (as in diabetes). In adults, chromium
deficiency can be a sign of coronary artery disease.

Copper deficiency:
Copper is obtained through a balanced diet and deficiency
is rare. Signs of copper deficiency may include anemia,
diarrhea, weakness, poor respiratory function, baldness, skin
sores, and increased lipid (fat) levels in the blood. Severe
alterations in copper metabolism are seen in two rare genetic
diseases: Wilson disease and Menkes' disease, which occur in
about one in 100,000 births. Both diseases involve mutations
in copper transport proteins, special channels that allow
copper ions to pass through cell membranes. Menkes' disease,
called the "kinky hair disease," results in tangled, grayish,
steely, or kinky hair and chubby, rosy cheeks. Untreated
Menkes' disease is associated with mental retardation and
death before three years of age. Wilson disease involves
decreases in copper in blood cells, the liver and brain; and
increases in copper (copper toxicosis) in the cells of the
intestines and kidneys. It results in degenerative changes in
the brain, liver disease, and hemolytic anemia. Children older
than five years who have any form of liver disease are often
evaluated for serum and cellular copper levels to determine if
Wilson disease is present.
 Iodine deficiency:
Iodine deficiency occurs when soil is iodine-poor and foods
grown in the soil are correspondingly low in iodine. An iodine
intake of 0.100.15 mg/day is considered to be nutritionally
adequate. Iodine deficiency occurs when intake is below 0.05
mg/day. Goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland in the
neck, results from iodine deficiency. Although goiter continues
to be a problem in other parts of the world, it no longer occurs
in the United States because of the fortification of foods with
iodine. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy can result in
cretinism in newborns, involving mental retardation and a
large tongue.

Iron deficiency:
Iron deficiency occurs most often because of poor iron
intake and poor absorption. In children, iron deficiency is due
to periods of dietary deficiency and heavy demands for iron
during rapid growth. Human milk and cow's milk both contain
low levels of iron; however, the iron in human milk is in a highly
absorbable form. Infants are at risk for acquiring iron
deficiency because their rapid rate of growth needs a
corresponding increased supply of dietary iron, for use in
making blood and muscles. Cow's milk formula is fortified with
iron. Human milk is a better source of iron than cow's milk,
since about half of the iron in human breast milk is absorbed
by the infant's digestive tract. In contrast, only 10 percent of
the iron in cow's milk is absorbed by the infant. Toddlers who
drink excessive whole cow's milk are at risk for iron
deficiency. Iron deficiency can also be caused by excess
phosphorus in the diet, chronic intestinal bleeding, poor
digestion and absorption, prolonged illness, ulcers, and the
use of antacids. In women and teenage girls, blood loss
through menstruation can result in iron deficiency. Symptoms
of iron deficiency include anemia and resulting fatigue and
weakness, especially during physical exertion. Fragile bones,
brittle hair and nails, hair loss, spoon-shaped fingernails or
ridges from the base of the nails to the ends, difficulty
swallowing, nervousness, paleness, and lagging mental
responses are also possible iron deficiency symptoms.
 Manganese deficiency:
Deficiency of manganese is very rare. Experimental
studies of individuals fed a manganese deficient diet have
revealed that the deficiency produces a scaly, red rash on the
skin of the upper torso.

Selenium deficiency:
Selenium deficiency may occur in premature infants who
naturally tend to have about one-third the selenium levels of
full-term infants. It is not known if these lower levels result in
adverse consequences. Selenium deficiency occurs in regions
of the world containing low-selenium soils, including parts of
China, New Zealand, and Finland. In Keshan Province, China, a
condition (Keshan disease) occurs that results in deterioration
of regions of the heart and the development of fibers in these
areas. Keshan disease, which may be fatal, is thought to result
from a combination of selenium deficiency and a virus.

Zinc deficiency:
Zinc deficiency can be caused by diarrhea, liver and kidney
disease, alcoholism, diabetes, mal-absorption, and over-
consumption of fiber. Symptoms of zinc deficiency
include acne, recurrent colds and flu, loss of senses of taste
and smell, poor night vision, slow growth, lack of sexual
maturation, lack of pubic hair, and small stature. Studies have
shown that signs of zinc deficiency are detectable after two to
five weeks of consuming a zinc-free diet. Signs include a rash
on the face, groin, hands and feet, and diarrhea. Administering
zinc will correct these symptoms.

PREVENTION
Ensuring an adequate intake of essential nutrients through a
balanced diet and supplements is the best way to prevent
mineral deficiencies. The Required Dietary Allowances (RDA)
guidelines can help ensure that minerals are being obtained. Safe
amounts of certain minerals are often included in multivitamins.
Because excess mineral levels can also cause health problems,
taking excessive amounts of any mineral supplement is not
advised unless a deficiency is diagnosed. When mineral
deficiency is the result of disease, medical attention, other than
preventive measures, is required.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) The Recommended
Dietary Allowances (RDAs) are quantities of nutrients in the diet
that are required to maintain good health in people. RDAs are
established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National
Academy of Sciences, and may be revised every few years. A
separate RDA value exists for each nutrient. The RDA values refer
to the amount of nutrient expected to maintain good health in
people. The actual amounts of each nutrient required to maintain
good health in specific individuals differ from person to person.
Boron is abundant in apples, pears, grapes, leafy greens, carrots, whole
grains, and nuts.

Primary calcium sources are dairy foods, eggs, fish, and green leafy
vegetables. Other calcium-rich foods are figs, broccoli, cabbage, oats, almonds
and filberts, yogurt, and blackstrap molasses. Spinach and Swiss chard bind
calcium in the digestive tract and are not a ready source.

Chromium is found in brown rice and other whole grains, cheeses, meats,
dried beans, corn, eggs, mushrooms, and potatoes.

Copper is found in nuts, mushrooms, broccoli, garlic, lentils, salmon, and green
vegetables. It is also found in plumbing and cooking pots, which may leach into
food and water.

Germanium occurs primarily in garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and onions.

Iron can be provided by eating green leafy vegetables, raisins, meat, eggs,
liver, fish and fowl, nuts, and whole grains. It can also be obtained by cooking in
iron skillets.

Magnesium is found in most foods, primarily animal and fish sources.

Potassium food sources include dairy foods, fish, fresh and dried fruits, beans
and peas, meats, fish and fowl, and whole grains.
Zinc sources include brewer's yeast, eggs, fish, meats, beans, mushrooms,
nuts and seeds, and whole grains.
Sea vegetables (sea weeds such as dulse, kelp, wakambe, and
hijiki) are an excellent source of minerals obtained from the
ocean. They can be used to make soup stock, added to stews and
casseroles, or served with vegetables. Herbs are a valuable
source of minerals as well. For example, calcium is found in
alfalfa, burdock root, chamomile, dandelion, flaxseed, paprika,
raspberry leaves, rose hips, and other herbs. Iron is found in the
same herbs as calcium, and in the Chinese herb dong
quai (angelica), as well as other herbs.