Minerals and Antioxidants
HOMEOSTATIC REGULATION OF MINERAL ELEMENTS
 Homeostasis is the term used to describe the ability of the body to maintain
the content of a specific substance within a certain range despite varying
intakes.
 Homeostasis involves the processes of absorption, storage, and excretion.
The relative importance of these three processes varies among the trace
elements.
 Excretion through the urine, bile, sweat, and breath is, therefore, the primary
mechanism for controlling the amount of these trace elements in an
organism.
 By being stored in inactive sites, some trace elements are prevented from
causing adverse reactions when present in high quantities. An example of
this homeostatic process is the storage of iron as ferritin. Release of a trace
element from a storage site also can be important in preventing deficiency.
What are minerals?
Minerals are substances help the body to grow, develop, and stay healthy. The
body uses minerals to perform many different functions — from building strong
bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make
hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat
General Characteristics of the Minerals:
- Regulate body processes
- Give structure to things in the body
- No calories (energy)
- Cannot be destroyed by heat
Classification of Minerals:
1- Major minerals—macrominerals with special duties in the body; calcium,
phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium
2- Trace minerals—minerals needed in only small amounts but serving vital body
functions.
Categories of minerals:
1- Major minerals:
a. Calcium
b. Phosphorus
c. Magnesium
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d. Electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium)
b. Trace minerals
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Chromium
Copper
Fluoride
Iodine
Iron
Manganese
Selenium
Zinc
Essential Minerals and Their Functions
 Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure and Fluid balance
 Participates in active transport mechanisms as part of the plasma
membrane Na+K+ ATPase
 Muscles relax, transmit nerve impulses
 Regulates blood pressure
- Ca is mainly extracellular mineral
- Is an important cell signal with respect to metabolic regulation and the
transport of metabolites (and some hormones) from one compartment to
another or from one cell to the bloodstream
- Is a key mineral in cell death, in muscle contraction, Heart rate and Nerve
function
- Play an important role in Teeth and Bone building
- Helps in blood cloting
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Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure
Participates in active transport mechanisms as part of the Na+K+ATPase
Has a role in muscle contraction and Nerve impulses.
Maintains blood pressure
- Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure and Fluid balance
- Is a part of gastric acid (HCl) help in Digestion of food.
- Transmits nerve impulses
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- Is a good oxidizing agent
- Participates in the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide
- Important to vitamin B12 absorption
- As a component of high-energy compounds (ATP, ADP, etc.)
- Is a component of bones and teeth
- Serves as a component of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA)
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Part of 300 enzymes (regulates body functions)
Maintains cells in nerves impulses, muscles relaxation.
Component of bones and teeth
Best sources are legumes, nuts, and whole grains
- Part of hemoglobin, carries oxygen
- Brain development
- Healthy immune system
Disorders:
- Hypertension—high-blood pressure linked to high salt intake.
- Osteomalacia—a disease caused by a lack of vitamin D in adults.
- Osteoporosis—condition caused by calcium deficiency; bones become
porous, weak, fragile.
- Toxicity—An excessive amount of a substance that is poisonous in the body.
Antioxidants
- Antioxidants are molecules that prevent cell damage and serve as parts of
enzymes.
- There are many types of antioxidants found in nature. There are vitamin
antioxidants that are known to be protective like vitamins A, C, and E.
- There are mineral antioxidants like selenium and zinc and there are pigments
(colors). Some pigments in plants and animals are potent antioxidants.
- Antioxidants trap harmful forms of oxygen and prevent them from damaging
cells.
- Antioxidants in the diet enter the blood stream and act directly to protect
cells of the body from damage.
- In addition, some antioxidants stimulate the immune system, and/or increase
the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.
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Carotenoids – beta carotene (familiar)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Found in colorful fruits/veggies and grains
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