Chemistry of life: Essential minerals and their functions

17. Sodium (Na) — function

In animals, it helps maintain water balance and nerve and muscle function.

18. Sodium deficiency in animals

Muscular cramps.

19. Potassium (K) — function

Helps form proteins and enzymes in plants; supports water balance, nerve function and muscle function in animals.

20. Potassium deficiency in plants

Chlorosis and slow growth.

21. Potassium deficiency in animals

Muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

22. Calcium (Ca) — function

Forms plant cell walls and supports root development; in animals, it is needed for bones, teeth and muscle function.

23. Calcium deficiency in plants

Chlorosis, poor root growth and poor growth.

24. Calcium deficiency in animals

Rickets and weak bones and teeth.

25. Phosphorus (P) — function

Forms cell membranes and supports root development in plants; helps form bones and teeth in animals.

26. Phosphorus deficiency in plants

Poor root growth and brown leaves.

27. Phosphorus deficiency in animals

Bone and muscle malfunction.

28. Magnesium (Mg) — function

Forms chlorophyll in plants; supports bone formation and nerve and muscle function in animals.

29. Magnesium deficiency in plants

Chlorosis.

30. Magnesium deficiency in animals

Muscle weakness.

31. Nitrogen (N) — function

Forms amino acids and chlorophyll in plants; forms amino acids and proteins in animals.

32. Nitrogen deficiency in plants

Chlorosis and young children in animals may develop kwashiorkor.

33. Iron (Fe) — function

Needed for chlorophyll formation in plants and haemoglobin formation in animals.

34. Iron deficiency in animals

Anaemia.

35. Iodine (I) — function

Supports energy release in plants and thyroid gland function in animals.

36. Iodine deficiency in animals

Goitre.