MINERALS

Calcium

Development of bone and teeth, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, normal heart action, normal muscle activity

Calcium deficiency

osteoporosis, convulsions, heart failure

Phosphorus

Development of bones and teeth, maintenance of normal acid/base balance of blood, constituent to all body cells. Necessary for effectiveness of some vitamins, metabolism of carbs, fats, and proteins

Phosphorus deficiency

Poor tooth and bone formation, weakness, anorexia

Potassium

Contraction of muscles, maintain fluid balance, transmission of nerve impulses, osmosis, REGULAR HEART RHYTHM, cell metabolism

Potassium deficiency

irregular heartbeat, muscular weakness, glucose intolerance

Sodium

Maintenance of fluid balance, transmission of nerve impulses, osmosis, acid/base balance

sodium deficiency

muscle cramps, mental apathy, loss of appetite

sodium toxicity

edema, acute hypertension

Chloride

Gastric acidity, regulation of osmotic pressure, osmosis, fluid balance, acid/base balance

chloride deficiency

Imbalance in gastric acidity and blood pH, nausea, exhaustion

Magnesium

Synthesis of ATP, transmission of nerve impulses, activation of metabolic enzymes, necessary for healthy muscles and nerves

Magnesium deficiency

mental and emotional disorder

Iron

Transports oxygen and carbon dioxide, component of hemoglobin, and myoglobin

iron deficiency

anemia

Iron toxicity

genetic hemochromatosis, can be fatal in children, liver damage

Zinc

Formation of collagen, component of insulin, component of many vital enzymes, wound healing, taste, essential for growth, immune reactions

Zinc deficiency

Dwarfism, hypogonadism, skin changes, impaired wound healing decreased taste acuity

Fluoride

Increases resistance to tooth decay. Component of bones and teeth

Fluoride deficiency

Tooth decay, possibly osteoporosis

fluoride toxicity

fluorosis (pitting and discoloration of teeth)

Copper

Essential for formation of hemoglobin and RBC's, Wound healing, needed metabolically for release of energy

Copper deficiency

anemia, bone abnormalities, disturbed growth and metabolism

Copper toxicity

vomiting, diarrhea, Wilson's disease

Iodine

regulation of basal metabolic rate

Iodine deficiency

goiter, cretinism, myxedema