MAJOR MINERALS

RNI or
MACRONUTRIENT DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS UTILIZATION FOOD SOURCES MALNUTRITION
REQUIREMENTS
CALCIUM Of the total body Bone and teeth Absorption Foods that supply ½ Adult man and Effects of Deficiency
weight, formation - Proximal part of RNI: snail, milk, woman (19-49 years - Rickets (lack of Ca,
approximately 1.5%- - Ca + P = Ca of the intestinal shrimp fry, old) 0.75 g or 750 P or Vitamin D)
2.2% or 22 g/kg fat Phosphate (hard tract (duodenal talangka, sardines & mg/day. causes retarded
free body weight material of the area) by active anchovies. growth &
bones and teeth) transport. Pregnant women development among
99% in bones and Ossification or - Requires Foods that supply need higher amount growing children.
teeth calcification energy. 1/3 of RNI: cheese, at 0.8 g/day. This can also happen
- Is when the Ca - 20%-40% of yogurt, seaweeds, in premature or pre-
1% in soft tissues in the form of the total Ca small fishes, tiny Infants 6-11 months term infants.
and body fluids hydroxyapatite ingested in the shrimps, malunggay require 0.4 g/day. - Osteomalacia or
causes the diet is leaves, saluyot & Children 1-9 years “adult rickets” is
hardening of the absorbed. other green leafy old 0.5-0.7 g/day. All softening of bones.
protein matrix of Factors which vegetables. other ages 10-18 - Tetany (uncontrolled
the bone influence Ca years old boys and reaction of muscle
(collagen) as a absorption: Other good sources: girls require 1 g/day. tissue & increased
result of the - Better soybean curd (tofu), excitability if the
deposition & absorption in fishes eaten with Elderly 65 years old nerves due to lack of
growth of the Ca increased body bones (canned & above require 0.8 circulating ionized
crystals. needs: growth, salmon & bangus), g/day. Ca).
Trabeculae pregnancy & legumes (munggo - Osteoporosis
- Ends of the ling lactation soybean, black Use of Ca (increased rate of
bones that has a (60%). Low bean, etc.) supplements should bone resorption &
porous intake = high be under a decreased bone
crystalline percentage of To increase Ca in physician’s orders & mass) is due to long-
structure that absorption. some recipes: only id needed for standing lack of Ca
can be There is - Add dried therapeutic purposes. intake, estrogen &
mobilized when decreased in nonfat milk exercise.
the level of absorption in solids or - Genetic &
blood calcium old age. powdered environmental
drops to critical - Vitamin D skim milk as factors of
levels enhances a binder Osteoporosis: race
(decalcification). optimum instead of (Caucasian), sex
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Early 20s absorption of starch or (females), age (older

- Active growth Ca by flour. persons), early
of bones, both in increasing - Beans & menopause, alcohol
length and permeability of legumes as abuse, cigarette
width. the intestinal meat smoking & caffeine
After the age of 30 membrane to extenders. intake.
- Bone resorption Ca & by - Add ice
(loss) exceeds activating the cream to Effects of Excess Intake
that of active transport fruit of pie. - Hypercalcemia is the
deposition. system. - Snack on high intake of
In the teeth - Low gastric pH cheese bits Vitamin D & high
- Hydroxyapatite (acidic) favors with ratio of P:Ca.
form in the the absorption crackers or - Ca rigor is when the
enamel and of Ca whereas biskotso. muscle fibers enter
dentine but hypochlorhydia into a state of tonic
crystals formed (alkaline REMEMBER! contraction.
are much larger medium) Dairy products do - Ca toxicity in
that makes it causes the not include butter infants: vomiting,
difficult to precipitation of and cream cheese. loss of appetite &
withdraw during the mineral. Also, many green wasting of muscle
periods of - A normal leafy vegetables tissue.
deprivation. CHON diet may contain axalic - In adults, excess Ca
does not affect acid that may will be deposited in
Muscular contraction Ca absorption interfere Ca soft tissues that
- Inn the ionized but high intake absorption. usually occurs in
form, Ca of meat chronic renal
participates in increases the disease, sarcoidosis
muscular excretion of Ca &
contraction & in the urine. hyperparathyroidism.
relaxation. - A high ration
- Myofibrils. of lactose to Ca
- Na, K & Mg is necessary for
assist in the the formation
relaxation of a soluble
process. complex which
- The contraction- is easily
relaxation is transported to
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 particularly and across the
important in the intestinal wall.
heart muscle (a - Ca : P (1:5.1)
drop can cause ratio in infants
severe, is important in
intermittent the absorption
spastic of both
contractions of minerals. In
the muscle & adults, 1:1 ratio
muscular pain). is necessary for
better
Blood coagulation absorption.
- Ca promotes - Oxalic (alagaw,
blood clot. alugbati,
- Thromboplastin kamias, kulitis,
= prothrombin = kutsarita,
thrombin = olasiman,
fibrinogen = unriped
fibrin. tamarind,
tamarind leaves
Nerve transmission & spinach) &
- Ca is necessary phytic acids
for the (cereals, wheat
formation & ban & oatmeal)
breakdown of interfere with
acetylcholine the absorption
needed for the of Ca by
transmission of forming
impulse from insoluble salts
one fiber to the although there
next. is an enzyme
that is capable
Enzyme activation & of splitting
catalyst for biological phytic acid to
reactions make it
- Examples: available for
absorption.
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a. ATP for However, these

muscle substances are
contraction. not of practical
b. Pancreatic significance in
lipase the ordinary
needed for diet.
splitting fat - Excess fat may
& the form insoluble
absorption soaps with Ca.
of B12. medium chain
triglycerides
Other potential favor Ca
functions absorption.
- Ca lowers HPN - Anything that
in individuals may cause an
with low plasma increase in
renin activity, gastrointestinal
low serum motility
ionized Ca & (laxatives or
dietary salt high fiber) may
insensitivity. decrease Ca
- Ca + Vit D = absorption or
decreases cell increase in
growth in excretion.
colonic - Lack of
epithelial cells. exercise may
cause loss of
bone Ca &
reduced ability
to replace it.
- Mental stress
or emotional
instability.
- Medications
like
theophylline,
thiazide
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 diuretics &
tetracycline.
- Alcohol intake.
- Caffeine
increases
urinary Ca
excretion (1
cup = 6mg Ca).
- Estrogen
inhibits bone
resorption &
increase Ca
absorption
through an
increase in
parathyroid
hormone which
stimulates the
kidney to
synthesize
more Vitamin
D.
- Trace elements
(Boron &
Silicon) aids in
proper
utilization of
Ca & Vitamin
D.
- Taking Ca with
a meal
improves
absorption.

Metabolism
- Ca in food is
absorbed in the
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small intestine
then
transported to
the fluids
bathing the
tissues of the
body & to the
cells where it is
needed.
- Ca absorbed is
utilized in the
skeleton where
it is in
equilibrium
with Ca in the
blood.
- 9-11 mg /
100ml or 4.5-
5.5 mEq/L).
- Parathyroid
hormone
maintains Ca
levels: PTH
increases the
release of Ca;
Calcitonin
prevents bone
resorption.
- The effect of
PTH is
integrated with
the action of
Vitamin D
(essential for
the efficient
utilization of

Page 6 of 12
 Ca in the
body).
- Ca is vital in
normal
functioning of
the nervous
system, bone
growth &
maintenance of
bone density.

Excretion
- Most of the
unabsorbed Ca
is found in
stool & urine.
PHOSPHORUS The normal person Structural component P is absorbed in the A diet adequate in Infants (0-6 months): Effects of Deficiency
has about 1% P of - Part of bone & intestines as free Ca & protein 90 mg - Severe
his body weight. teeth. phosphate through the usually has adequate hypophosphatemia
enzyme phosphatase. P. Infants (6-11 (<0.5 mmol/L) can
85% in bones and Regulatory months): 275 mg cause skeletal
teeth in combination P participates in many 70% of P ingested is myopathy &
with Ca. metabolic processes: absorbed & excreted in Children (1-9 years cardiomyopathy.
- Phosphorylation the feces. old): 460-500 mg - Chronic moderate
15% is in metabolic of glucose (ATP hypophosphatemia
pool with protein, & ADP). Factors that interfere Older children & frequently causes
carbohydrate & fat - Constituent of in absorption is same adolescents (10-19 osteomalacia &
along with Ca, Na & the active form with Ca. years old): 1,250 mg rickets.
Mg ions. of thiamin as - Frequent use of
thiamin Ca:P ratio is 1:1 that Adults (19 years old aluminum hydroxide
pyrophosphate. favors absorption for & older): 700 mg gels can cause
It is also part of both minerals. phosphate depletion,
RNA & DNA Pregnant & lactating: bone resorption &
molecules. 700 mg urinary Ca excretion.
- Principal ion of - Decrease P affects
the regulation of formation of ATP &

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pH (buffer other metabolic

system). functions.

Effects of Excess
- Acute severe
hyperphosphatemia
induced by IV
infusion of
phosphate can cause
hypocalcemia severe
enough to result in
tetany or death.
- Elemental P is
poisonous as this
cause bone erosion
& this is common to
match industry
workers.
POTASSIUM Principal cation Maintains fluid and K is absorbed in the Richest source of K People who eat large Effects of Deficiency &
within the cells or electrolyte balance small intestine. A part is in fruits & amounts of fruits & Excess
intracellular fluids. - Exerts an of it is also secreted of vegetables. vegetables have a - Hypokalemia (low
influence in the digestive juices high K intake (8-11 serum K) when there
2.6 g/kg fat free acid-base which is later Unprocessed food g/day). is malnutrition,
weight or 0.35% of balance reabsorbed. like nuts, meat, prolonged
body weight. - Significant role legumes, milk, An average mixed gastrointestinal loss
in the activity of Level of K in the cooked dry beans, diet contains about 2- of K like prolonged
the skeletal & serum is 16-20 bananas, plantains, 6 g. vomiting, chronic
cardiac muscles. mg/100ml or 4-5 oranges, orange diarrhea or gastric
- Acts as a muscle mEq/L. juice, cantaloupe, suction or diabetic
relaxant in honeydew melons, acidosis. Use of
contrast to Ca. The maintenance of K sweet potatoes & diuretics & laxatives.
level in the blood is tomato products. - Hyperkalemia
Carbohydrate & protein vital to the heart (elevated serum K)
metabolism muscle. High serum Raw & dried fruits, when the kidney fails
- K is stored with level of K causes fruit juices, dark to excrete K
glycogen when disturbance of the green vegetables & resulting to toxicity,
glucose is muscular coordination. excessive use of K
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 converted to Thus, cardiac arrest. unrefined cereals are supplements as a
glycogen for This happens when also K rich foods. treatment for
storage. kidney fails to excrete hypertensive persons
- Storage of K. using diuretics.
nitrogen in
muscle protein. K in the body is
- Release of controlled by the
insulin from the kidney (adrenocortical
pancreatic cells hormones particularly
in response to aldosterone).
increase levels
of glucose in the K excretion is
blood. increased whenever
- Treatment for the tissues are losing K
diabetic acidosis in body tissue
& resynthesis of breakdown
muscle protein. (catabolism) as in
acidosis or
K levels in the body underfeeding.
have been used to
determine lean body The presence of
mass & body fat. chlorine aids
conservation of K in
K may help prevent the the body.
development of
hypertension.
SULFUR Occurs in every Maintains protein Inorganic sulfate is Protein rich foods Protein contains 1% Effects of Deficiency or
protein cell & structure. absorbed in the S so that a diet Excess
comprises about intestine & sulfur- adequate in protein - Cystinuria (excessive
0.25% of body Activates enzymes. containing amino acids will contain enough excretion of cystine
weight. are split off from S. in the urine due to
Participates in protein and both are hereditary defect in
It is concentrated in detoxification reactions absorbed into the tubular
the cytoplasm, but (from toxic to non-toxic portal circulation. reabsorption).
highest in hair, skin materials) - Cystine kidney
& nails. S is also excreted in stones (repeated
the portal circulation
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by way of urine and production of cystine

feces. in the kidney).
SODIUM A monovalent Maintaining fluid About 7-15 g (2.8-6 g) Animal sources are 5,000 mg Na should Effects of Deficiency &
cation, 50% is found balance are ingested daily and richer sources than be sufficient. A low Excess
in the extracellular - Variations in the normal serum level is plant foods. Na diet is about - Hyponatremia (low
fluid (vascular fluids concentration of at 136-145 mEq/L or 2,000mg. Na) can occur in:
within the blood ionized Na 310-340 mg/100ml. Plant: carrots, dehydration (heat
vessels, arteries, determine the spinach & celery. exhaustion), marked
veins, capillaries & shift of water Na is absorbed in the loss of blood from
the intracellular from one body stomach but most in Preservatives & surgical procedures,
fluids surrounding area to another the small intestines & additives: processed after marked
the cells. (high Na inside this requires energy. food (tocino, tapa, vomiting & diarrhea
the cell, water bacon, ham, etc), & after long term &
10% is found within will be taken in, Any excess is filtered canned foods vigorous treatment
the cells & the cell will swell & out through the kidney (sardines, tuna, etc), with very restricted
remaining 40% in VV). & excreted in the urine canned salted Na diet.
skeleton bound in Maintaining acid-base regulated by the vegetables & - Hypertension,
the surface of bone balance aldosterone hormone pickles. kidney disorder,
crystals. - Na is a base secreted by the adrenal Cushing’s disease &
forming gland. Seasonings: with brain injury (excess
Total Na in the body element. Na salt & monosodium Na in the
is 1.8 mg/kg fat free from the bones Na is also lost through glutamate (vetsin), extracellular fluid &
body weight. is release to feces, perspiration and toyo, patis, ketchup, causes edema).
offset acid. skin (non-sweat). etc.

Allows passage of Medications like

materials alkalizers.
- Like glucose
through the cell Sources of water
wall. that has certain
- Normal muscle mineral found
irritability & inside.
excitability
(balance level of
NaCl inside and
outside the cell
for normal
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 transmission of
electrochemical
impulses in the
nerves and
muscle
membranes.
CHLORINE Major anion in the Always in combination Cl is absorbed in the Table salt (NaCl) is If Na intake is Effects of Deficiency
extracellular fluid. with Na or K in intestine & excreted by the major source. adequate, Cl will also - Alkalosis (excessive
maintaining fluid & the kidney. It passes be provided for by loss of Cl ions) from
Normal plasma level electrolyte balance & freely through the the diet. continued vomiting,
is from 95-105 acid-base balance. membranes to different diarrhea or tube
mEq/L or 340-370 compartments. drainage. Thus,
mg/100ml. Contributes to the bicarbonate ions are
necessary acidity replaced with such
Highest needed in the stomach. lost.
concentration of
chloride is found in Activation of
the cerebrospinal pepsinogen to pepsin
fluid & a relatively for the breakdown of
large amount of protein.
ionized chlorine
(HCL) is found in
the GI secretion.
MAGNESIUM Next to K as Essential part of many Mg is absorbed in the Abundant in nuts Adults (19 years old Effects of Deficiency or
predominant cation enzymes responsible for small intestine (43%). (almonds & and above): Excess
in living cells. the transfer of energy cashews), seeds, - Males: 235 - Hypomagnesemic
(biochemical reactions Ca & Mg share a soybeans, meat, mg/day tetany (Mg
50% found in bones in the body). common transport milk, cocoa, - Females: 205 deficiency) common
in combination with mechanism for transfer seafood, whole mg/day in infants & children
phosphate & Ca, the Key core of the across the intestinal unrefined grains, with Kwashiorkor,
remaining is mostly chlorophyll molecule in membrane & a high dried beans, peas & intestinal
in intracellular fluid plants. level of one of then green plants. malabsorption,
with 1% decreases absorption prolonged diarrhea
extracellular fluid. Cellular metabolism. of the other. Green vegetables or vomiting,
such as spinach due alcoholics, chronic
Promotes the Healthy kidneys are to presence of Mg-free fluids
conduction of nerve able to limit urinary following surgery &
Page 11 of 12

Highest impulses & to allow excretion of Mg to chlorophyll diuretics. Also, in

concentration occurs normal muscular make up for low molecules. cases of
in muscle & RBCs. contraction. dietary intake. hypercalcemia, DM,
acute renal failure
Approximately 0.5 Mg & Ca play The amount absorbed with polyuria,
g/kg (25g) fat free antagonistic roles. Ca as depends on the amount aldosteronism &
body weight. stimulator & Mg as of fat excreted in the hyperparathyroidism.
relaxer. feces & dietary intake - Hypermagnesemia
The plasma contains of Ca, protein & (Mg toxicity) from
approximately 1.5-2 Influences the secretion Vitamin D since it severe renal
mEq/L. of thyroxin & causes an increased insufficiency & large
maintenance of normal excretion of this doses of Mg salts or
basal metabolic rate. mineral. Mg containing
antacids &
Increase stability of Ca Other causes of cathartics.
in the tooth enamel. depressing the
utilization of the
Related to cortisone in mineral: sulfates &
the regulation of blood oxalates, alcohol,
P levels. medications like
diuretics, poorly
controlled diabetes &
alcohol abuse.

Page 12 of 12