MINERALS

Objectives
• At the end of this lesson students should be able
to:
1. Define minerals.
2. Classify minerals.
3. Outline the functions of each mineral.
4. List sources of minerals.
5. State effects of various mineral deficiency in the
body.
 Definition of minerals
• These are ionic compound dissolved in water
and are called electrolytes.
• Electrolytes are important body constituents.
• Some conduct electricity essential for muscle
and nerve function.
• Some exert osmotic pressure, keeping body
fluids in their compartments.
• Some function in acid-base balance as buffers
to resist pH change in the body.
 Iron (Ferrous)
• It is used by the body to:
• - make haemoglobin.
• - help other cells to function e.g. in muscles.
• - replace worn out and lost red blood cells.
Types of iron
• Haem iron i.e. iron in blood, meat, birth and fish.
• Haem iron can pass easily through the GIT wall.
 Continuation
• Non-haem iron i.e. iron in plants, eggs and milk
is in a form called non-haem.
• It does not pass easily through the GIT walls.
• Some manufacturers of food fortify their
products with iron e.g. wheat flour, bread and
infant formulars.
• Some foods and drinks taken with meals can
increase or decrease the amount of non-haem
iron that is absorbed.
Foods the increase absorption of non-haem
iron
• Food rich in vitamin C.
• Food that contain haem iron.
• Fermented and germinates foods because they
destroy substances that prevent iron
absorption.
• Foods and drinks which decease uptake of non-
haem iron
• Tea and coffee contain tannin.
• Whole grain cereals containing phylate.
 Who needs iron
• People of all ages but some people need more
e.g.:
• Menstruating girls and women need twice as
much as men.
• Pregnant women.
 Iodine
• The thyroid gland at the front of the neck uses
iodine to make thyroid hormones.
• Thyroid hormones help to control many
processes in the body i.e.
• - the development and function of the brain
and nervous system.
• - the way the body uses energy and keep
warm.
 Sources of iodine
• Iodine comes from the soil.
• If soil contain enough iodine, plants foods
which grow in that soil contain enough iodine.
• Where soil is low in iodine, plant food which
grow there are iodine deficient.
• Soil low in iodine are found in inland areas
especially in high mountains and in areas
where there frequent floods.
 Continuation
• The amount of iodine in foods from animals,
birds and fish depend on iodine in the food
that they feed on e.g. meat, milk, Fish and
other sea foods rich in iodine.
 CALCIUM
• Bones and teeth are made from proteins and
calcium.
• Calcium is a body building nutrient.
• Everyone needs calcium everyday because
bone cells slowly wear out and must be
replaced.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women and
growing children needs extra calcium because
there are making new bone cells and milk.
 Continuation
• When older women stop menstruating their
bones may lose calcium and become weak.
• This is called osteoporosis.
• Eating plenty of calcium and being physically
active through out life help to prevent
osteoporosis.
 Sources of calcium
• Breast milk.
• Milk of all types.
• Small fish.
• Beans and peas.
• Finger millet.
• Dark green vegetables.
• Water.
 Fluoride
• It is a mineral that is important for bones and
teeth.
• Too much fluoride is harmful.
• Right amounts of fluoride make bones and
teeth harder and prevent tooth decay.
• If a child get too much fluoride while teeth
grow, it may replace calcium.
• This make bones and teeth weak.
 Continuation
• The teeth may develop pits, they may stain
brown and may break.
• This called fluorosis.
• Fluoride is found in water.
 Phosphorous
• Helps maintain healthy bones and teeth; Helps
maintain acid-base balance;
• Forms part of every cell membrane;
• A component of phospholipids, the lipid
transporters in the blood;
• Necessary for growth
• Found in most foods, particularly rich in
animal foods
• Excess
Calcification of soft tissues
Deficiency
• Weakness; aching bones; increased
susceptibility to infection
Daily needs
• Infants: 100-275 mg, Children: 460-1,250 mg
Adults: 700 mg, Pregnant: 700-1,250 mg
Lactating: 700-1,250 mg