Minerals

Sodium
o100gm of sodium in body.
oPresent in extra cellular fluid.
oStored in subcutaneous tissues.
o5-10gm sodium chloride is ingested per day.
oFunctions:
oRegulation of acid-base balance in body.
oRegulation of osmotic pressure.
oOrigination & maintain of heart beat.
 Excretion of Sodium

o On average 3-5gm of sodium is excreted in urine.

o Nacl 10-15gm excreted.
o On low sodium diet value may vary.
o During excessive sweat 10-20gm sodium may secrete.
o Low sodium in urine indicates its deficiency.
 Deficiency of Sodium
oHeat cramps.
oPainful contraction of skeletal muscles.
oCaused due to sodium chloride deficiency.
o2-5gm loss every hour or 10-20 gm per day.
oCan be prevented by adding 10-20gm in pure water.
 Excessive intake of Sodium

o Oedema in protein deficient.

o Increase bp in hypertension patients.
 POTASSIUM

o250gm of Potassium is
present in human body.
oSmall quantity in extra
cellular fluid.
oTraces of potassium in
plasma.
o 4700 mg/day is required.
oFunctions:
oHelps in maintaining blood pressure
onormal water balance
omuscle contractions
onerve impulses
odigestion
oIncreases relaxation of heart muscles.
oRegulates pH balance (acidity and alkalinity)
 Potassium Deficiency
oExtreme fatigue
oMuscle spasms
oWeakness
oCramping
oIrregular heartbeat
oConstipation
oNausea
o Vomiting
oExcess of Potassium causes:
oMuscular weakness
oApathy
oAbnormal heartbeat.
 Magnesium
o Important for normal bone structure.
o 25gm is present in human body.
o Half is present in bones in with
phosphate and carbonates.
o1/5th is present in soft tissues.
o 200-300mg/day is required.
o150-200mg/day for children.
o100-150mg/day for infants and pre school
children.
 Functions
oActivator for enzymes.
oActs as a co factor for oxidative phosphorylation.
oMaintain normal nerve and muscle function.
o Keeps the heart beat steady.
oHelps bones remain strong.
oRegulate blood glucose levels.
oHelps in production of energy and protein.
 Metabolism of Magnesium

o300-400mg is obtained from diet.

oAbout 50% is not absorbed.
o1/3rd is excreted through urine.
oHuman serum contains about 2-3mg/100ml.
oWhole blood contains 1.56mg/100ml.
 Effects of Mg Deficiency
oIf level of mg is below 1mg/100ml…
oDepression
oMuscular weakness
oLiability to convulsion.
oVertigo
oIf 100mg of Mg is given these condition can be cure
within 4 hours.
oKwashiorkor.