Water and Major Minerals
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
• Water
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Chloride
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Sulfur
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water
• Each of the trillions of cells in the body contains
and is surrounded by water.
• The body has no storage site for water.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water and minerals are involved in many processes in the body.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water In the body: Intracellular and
Extracellular Fluid
• Water accounts for 50 to 75% of the weight of
the human body.
• The intracellular compartment holds twothirds of the body’s water, with the balance in
the extracellular compartment.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Fluid compartments in the body. Total fluid volume is about 10 gallons (40 liters)
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Maintenance of Water Balance
• Electrolytes dissolved in the body’s water help
maintain fluid balance.
• Water balance is regulated by hormones that
act on the kidneys.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Functions of Water
• Water’s unique chemical properties enable It
to dissolve substances and to serve as a
medium for chemical reaction, temperature
regulation, and lubrication.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water in Foods
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water Needs
• For adults, daily fluid needs are estimated at 9
cups(women) to 13 cups(men), but
temperature, physical exertion, and other
factors can greatly affect water requirements.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Estimate of water input vs. water output in a women. We primarily maintain our volume
of body fluids by adjusting water output to input. As you can see, most water comes from
the liquids we consume. Some comes from the moisture in solid foods and the
remainder is manufactured during metabolism. Water output includes losses from the
lungs, urine, skin, and feces.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water Deficiency
• A water deficit results in dehydration.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Water Toxicity
Too much water can cause the rare condition of
water intoxication and hyponatremia.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Overview of minerals
• Minerals are divided into the major and trace
minerals, depending on the amount needed
each day.
• Generally, if we require 100 mg or more of a
mineral daily, it is considered a major mineral,
or macromineral; otherwise, it is considered a
trace mineral, or micromineral.
• Major minerals are found in larger quantities
in the body than trace minerals.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Approximate amounts of minerals present in the average human body. Some other trace minerals
of nutritional importance not shown are selenium, zinc, chromium, fluoride, and molybdenum.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Foods Sources of minerals
• Animal foods are the best sources of calcium,
iron, and zinc.
• Plant foods are good sources of potassium and
magnesium.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Absorption, Transport, and Excretion of
minerals
• The absorption of minerals can be affected by
the need for the minerals, the consumption
of supplements, and the presence of phytic
and oxalic acids.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Spinach often is touted as a rich source of calcium, but little of the calcium
present is bioavailable---that is, available to the body.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Function of Minerals
• Minerals are needed for water balance, the
transmission of nerve impulses, and muscle
contraction.
• They function as enzyme cofactor and as
components of body tissues.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Mineral Deficiencies
• Calcium, Potassium, and magnesium intakes
fall short of DRI recommendations.
• Of the trace minerals, iron, zinc, and iodine
are most likely to be deficient in diets.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Mineral Toxicity
• Minerals taken in excess can be toxic,
particularly trace minerals, such as iron and
zinc.
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012
Dr. Latifah Al-Oboudi 2012