Minerals are inorganic elements that are essential for human nutrition and health. The 14 key minerals can be categorized as major minerals, which are needed in larger amounts, and trace minerals, which are needed in smaller amounts. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, chloride, and potassium. These minerals are involved in many important functions like building bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, acting as electrolytes and cofactors for enzymes. Maintaining balanced levels of minerals is important for overall health and prevention of deficiencies and toxicities.

1. MINERALS

2. Minerals
V.Parimalam Assistant professor
Department of biochemistry KMCH

3. Minerals
 The minerals form only a small portion of the total
body weight. They form only 7% of the composition
of human body.
 Many of these minerals are widely distributed in
foods so that a well-balanced diet will supply them in
sufficient quantities.
 The mineral elements present in the animal body
may be classified into 2 groups:
 1.Principal elements(macro nutrients)
 2.Trace elements(micro nutrients)

4. Classification of minerals
• Principle elements(Macro nutrients)
• These elements occur in living tissues in
comparatively large amounts.
• They constitute 60-80% of all the inorganic
material in the body.
• Trace elements(Micro nutrients)
• These elements occur in living tissues in small
amounts. They required in amounts greater than
100mg/day.

5. What Are Minerals?
• Inorganic elements essential to the nutrition of
humans
• Fourteen minerals are essential to body function
– Play several key roles in overall health and well being
• Help chemical reactions take place in cells
• Help muscles contract
• Keep the heart beating
• Two groups
– Major minerals
– Trace minerals

7. The Minerals in Your
Body

8. Mineral
s
• Inorganic elements essential to Human
Nutrition.
• 14 out of 92 are Essential to Body Function.
Very Important Roles in overall health and well-
being
• Assist in Chemical Reactions in Cells
• Crucial to the Immune System Function
• Fluid Balance
• Nutrient Transport into Cells
• Help Skeletal Muscle Contract
• Maintain Heart Beat!

9. Two Groups: Major and Trace
Minerals
Major Minerals
(macrominerals)
Need more than 100 mg/day.
Min of 5 grams in the
body.
These Include:
• Calcium
• Phosphor
us
• Potassiu
m
• Sulfur
• Sodium
• Chloride
The major minerals
are the 6 dietary
minerals your body
needs in the
largest amounts.

10. Phosphoru
s
Bones T
eeth
CellMembrane

11. PHOSPHORUS
• Phosphorus is found in every cell of the human
body. A major part of this (about 80% of the total)
is present in combination with calcium in the
bones and teeth.
• About 10% is combined with proteins, lipids
and carbohydrates.
• The remaining 10% is widely distributed in
various chemical compounds.

13. 3
-
Phosphorus
(PO4 )
2nd most abundant Mineral in
Body
Most (85%) in Bone Tissue
the rest in muscle, cell membrane,
ECF
Absorbed in the Small
Intestine Vitamin D
enhances
bioavailability.

14. Parathyroid Hormone
(PTH)
This hormones regulates P homeostasis.
– Stimulates resorption of P from bone
– Stimulates P excretion from kidney
Excretion – most P lost in Urine, some in
Feces

15. Phosphorus Needs in the Body!
Formation of Bones and Teeth
Along with Ca2+ makes Calcium
Hydroxyapatite
Integral part of cell membrane
Phospholipids
Required for ATP and Creatine Phosphate
Acts as a Buffer in acid-base balance
“Phosphate Backbone” is part of DNA

16. RDA Adult: 700
mg/day UL: 4,000
mg/day
Americans consume 1,000 mg/day.
Food Sources of Phosphorus
• Foods from animal sources
• Plant seeds – 50% of P is bioavailable due to
phytates.
• Soft drinks and colas contain phosphoric acid.

17. • Absorption
• Phosphate absorption occurs from jejunum
1. Calcitriol promotes phosphate uptake along with
calcium.
2. Absorption of phosphorus and calcium is optimum
when the dietary ratio of Ca and P is between 1:2
and 2:1.
3. The kidney is the major pathway of excretion of
the phosphorus absorbed.
Functions
1. it is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth.
2. It is a constituent of phospholipids-lecithin and
cephalin, which are integral parts of the cell
structure and also act as intermediates in fat

18. P
Toxicity
Hyperphosphatemia - Only with kidney
disease
High intake of P with low Ca2+ intake
can decrease bone mass.
Can lead to Ca2+ deposits in soft tissue
P Deficiency is rare.
Hypophosphatemia
Muscle weakness, bone pain, rickets,
confusion, and death in extreme cases!

19. 4. They form important components of nucleic acids like
DNA & RNA.
5. Phosphate buffer system is important for the
maintanence of pH in the blood.
6. It is an esential component of several nucleotide
coenzymes e.g: NAD+, NADP+
MAGNESIUM
# The adult body contains about 20g magnesium, 70% of
which is found in bones in combination with calcium
and phosphorus.
# The remaining 30% occurs in the soft tissues and body
fluids.

21. MANGANESE
• The total body content of manganese is about 15
mg. The liver and kidney are rich in Mn.
• Within the cells, Mn is mainly found in the
nuclei in association with nucleic acids.
• Manganese in the serum is bound to a specific
carrier protein-transmagnanin.

22. Foods high in manganese

23. Daily Needs for
Mg
Adults: 300 to 400 mg/day
Americans fall short of consuming adequate
Mg.

25. • Dietary requirements
• Adult man – 350 mg/day
• Adult woman – 300 mg/day
• Absorption
• Magnesium is absorbed by the intestinal cells
through a specific carrier system. About 50% of
the dietary Mg is normally absorbed.
• Consumption of large amounts of calcium,
phosphate and alcohol diminidhes Mg
absorption.

26. Magnesium
(Mg2+)
~60% in bones, 25% in muscles, the rest in
cells.
Bioavailability is about 50%.
Absorption
A high-fiber, whole-grain, high phytates,
lowers absorption.
Intestinal absorption and kidney excretion
adjusts based on diet and need.

27. Mg2+ Toxicity - Consuming excess
supplements can cause intestinal
problems.
Diarrhea, cramps, nausea
Mg2+ Deficiency Rare.
Some medications cause deficiency.
Poorly controlled diabetes and alcohol abuse.
Symptoms:
Muscle weakness, seizures, fatigue,
depression, and irregular heart beats.

28. 1. Mg is required for the formation of bones and
teeth.
2. Mg2+ serves a cofactor for several enzymes
requiring ATP. e.g: hexokinase, glucokinase,
phosphofructokinase, adenylate cyclase.
3. Mg2+ is necessary for proper neuromuscular function.
Low Mg2+ levels lead to neuromuscular irritability.
Disease states
1. Magnesium deficiency causes neuromuscular
irritation, weakness and convulsions. These
symptoms are similar to that observed in tetany.
2. Low levels of Mg may be observed in uremia,
rickets and abnormal pregnancy.

29. Functions
1. It serve as a cofactor for several enzymes.
2. Mn is necessary for the cholestrol biosynthesis.
3. Mn inhibits lipid peroxidation.
4. It is necessary for the synthesis of
mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins.
Disease states
Mn deficiency in animals causes
1. Retarded growth, bone deformities and in
severe deficieny.
2. Accumulation of fat in liver.

30. • Bones • CellMembranes • T
eeth

31. Calcium
(Ca2+)
• Most abundant mineral in body!
• Divalent Cation (has a + 2!)
• 99% of body's Ca2+ located in bones and
teeth.
Some of the Top Foods for
Calcium!
#1: Cheese (Mozzarella) - 961mg (95% DV)
#2: Milk & Yogurt - 125mg (13% and 49% DV)
#3: Dark Leafy Greens (Watercress, Kale) - 120mg
(12% DV) #4: Cabbage (Bok Choy) - 105mg (11%
DV)
#5: Okra (Cooked) - 77mg (8% DV)
#6: Broccoli - 47mg (5% DV)
#7: Green Beans - 37mg (4%
DV) #8: Almonds -
264mg (26% DV)
#9: Sardines (in Oil with Bones) - 383mg

32. Bioavailabilit
y:
Vitamin D and lactose 
absorption. Low Protein intake
 absorption.
Phytates and Oxalates  Ca2+
bioavailability.

33. Absorption
Low blood Ca2+ increases Ca2+ absorption.
The more Ca2+ consumed at one time, less
absorbed.

34. Hormones
Regulate
Calcium
Homeosta
sis
(Balance)
Low Blood
Calcium
High Blood
Calcium
Calcitriol (Vit.
D3)
Parathyroid
Hormone
and
Calcitoni

35. Functions of
Calcium
Ca2+ helps build
strong bones and
teeth.
Hard Outer Bone Surface
Trabecular Bone:
Inside of bone; more sensitive
to changes in dietary calcium

36. Calcium Functions: Many Important
Roles:
 Muscle Contraction
 Nerve Transmission – release of
Neurotransmitter!
 Regulating Hormones and Enzymes
 Blood Vessel Dilation/Constriction: Blood
Pressure
 Blood Clotting

37. Calcium May:
Prevent Colon Cancer – by protecting
lining of tract from caustic and abrasive
substances.
Reduce the risk of kidney stones – Ca2+
binds to oxalates in foods.
Reduce the risk of obesity – by
normalizing interactions between
hormones.
Inadequate Ca2+ shifts hormonal response of PTH
and calcitriol which may stimulate fat production
and storage.

38. Daily Needs for
Ca2+
AI for Adults: 1,000 to 1,100
mg/day UL: 2,500 mg/day
Americans fall short, consuming < 800
mg/day.
Ca2+ Toxicity
Hypercalcemia: Too much Ca2+ in
blood Symptoms:
• Constipation
• Bone pain
• Muscle weakness
• Mental confusion
• Impairs absorption of Fe, Zn, Mg and P.

39. Bone
Mass
Exercise improves bone mass.
– Weight-bearing exercise maintains and 
bone.
– High-impact exercise  growth and
mineral content during adolescence.
– Only the bones that are exercised benefit
– High-intensity exercise  bone mass and
muscle strength more than less intense
exercise.

40. Body Weight impacts Bone
Mass
– Overweight promotes greater BMD in the hip
and spine compared to healthy weight
individuals.
– Bone is lost during weight loss; adequate
calcium intake accompanied by slow weight
loss will lessen bone loss.
– Excessive Alcohol intake is associated with
osteoporosis.

41. Ca2+
Deficiency
Hypocalcemia: Blood Ca2+ levels below
normal
Bones less dense, weakened and brittle.
risk of Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures
Do not take a calcium supplement at
the same time of day as an iron

42. Minerals are
in Balance
with each
other
in the Body

43. Chlorine
Extracellular Electrolyte

44. CHLORINE
• The element chlorine is present as a component of
sodium chloride. The chloride concentration in
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is higher than that in other
body fluids, including the gastrointestinal secretions.
• The source of chlorine is common salt.

45. Chloride
(Cl–)
• A Major Electrolyte
• An Anion bound to Na (NaCl in foods)
• Primarily in blood (88%), the other 12% is:
– in intracellular fluid (ICF)
– part of HCl (hydrochloric acid) in
stomach
• After ingestion, dissociates in the
stomach.
• Absorbed in Small Intestine - Excreted in
Urine
• Not to be confused with chlorine, a

46. Metabolic Functions of
Chloride
• Maintains Fluid Balance.
• Assists in the removal of CO2 from
blood.
• Maintains normal pH range of blood.
• Part hydrochloric acid (HCl).

47. Chloride Daily Needs and Food
Sources
• Daily needs: AI Adults 50 is 2,300
mg/day. In general, Americans currently
consume 3,400 mg/day to >7,000 mg/day.
Food Sources:
– Table salt
– Processed foods
– Seaweed, tomatoes, olives, lettuce, celery,
and rye
– Salt substitutes

48. Daily Needs of
Cl
UL = 3,600 mg. Toxicity is very rare.
*Can occur with severe dehydration
(hyperchloremia)
• Deficiency - Rare
From prolonged diarrhea or
vomiting. Diuretics can increase
urinary losses.
Symptoms: shallow breathing, muscle
weakness, muscle spasms, and twitching

49. • Functions
1. Chloride is involved in the regulation of acid-base
equilibrium, fluid balance and osmotic pressure.
These functions are carried out by the interaction of
chloride with Na+ and K+.
2. Chloride is necessary for the formation of Hcl in the
gastric juice.
3. Chloride shift involves the active participation of Cl-.
4. The enzyme salivary amylase is activated by chloride.

50. Copper
Red Blood Cells

51. COPPER
- 2-3 mg/day
- 0.5-2
mg/day
• The body contains about 100mg copper
distributed in different organs.
• Dietary requirements
• Adults
• Infants and children
• Sources
• Liver, kidey, meat, egg yolk, cereals, nuts
and green leafy vegetables. Milk is a
poor source.

53. • Absorption
• About 10% of dietary copper is absorbed, mainly
in the duodenum.
• Metallthionein is a transport protein that
facilitates copper absorption.
• Wilson disease
• It is characterised by an abnormal copper
metabolism.
• Large amount of copper accumulates in the liver
and lenticular nucleus of brain. It leads of
hepatic cirrhosis and brain necrosis.
• Copper in the urine increases and leads to renal
damage.

55. Normal
brain
Brain
necrosis

56. 1. It is a component of certain enzymes like
cytochrome oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase,
uricase etc.
2. It is necessary for the synthesis of melanin
and phospholipids.
3. It is essential for the formation of myelin sheath in
the nerve fibres.
4. It helps in the absorption, transport and
utilization of iron.
5. Hemocyanin, a copper protein complex in
invertebrates, functions like hemoglobin for
oxygen transport.

57. Zinc

58. ZINC
• The total content of zinc in an adult body is about
2g.
• Prostrate gland is very rich in zn (100 mg/g)
• The concentration of Zn in serum is about 100
mg/dl. Erythrocytes contain higher content of Zn
(1.5 mg/dl) which is found in association with the
enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

59. Food
Sources

61. • Functions
1. It is a component of certain enzymes like carbonic
anhydrase, alcohol dehydrogenase, superoxide
dismutase etc.
2. Zinc may be regarded as an antioxidant. The
enzyme superoxide dismutase protects the body
from free radical damage.
3. The storage and secretion of insulin from beta
cells of pancreas require Zn.
4. Zn required for wount healing and enchances cell
growth and division.
5. Gusten, a zinc containing protein of the saliva, is
important for taste sensation.
6. It is essential for proper reproduction.

62. Magnesium
Iron
Zinc
Copp
er
Iodide
Selenium
Chromium
Manganese
Molybdenu
m
Other Mineral Factoids
Inorganic ions and
compounds.
Not destroyed by heat, acid, O2,
or UV light.
Remain intact during
digestion. Do not change
function.

63. Potassium

64. Potassium
(K+)
• Major Cation in intracellular fluid (ICF)
• Absorbed in Small Intestine and
Colon
• Kidneys regulate balance excreting
excess.
• Muscle Contraction and Nerve
Impulse.
• Rhythmic Heart Beats.
• Regulate Blood Pressure
• Acts as a Buffer in Blood.
• Preserves Ca2+ and PO4 in bones.

65. Daily
Needs
Adults:
4,700mg/day. May
 Hypertension.
May  bone losses and risk of kidney
stones.
Most Americans fall
short. F ~2,200 and
M~3,300mg/day.
Food Source DV
Beet Greens 37%
Lima Beans 27%
Swiss Chard 27%
Sweet Potato 27%
Potatoes 26%
Spinach 24%
Avocado 21%
Pinto Beans 21%
Bananas 10%
Nutrient Rating for
K

66. K
Toxicity
Hyperkalemia: Too much K+ in blood!
Cannot occur from food intake – but with supplementation or
salt
substitutes!
This can lead to:
• Irregular heart beat
• Heart damage
• Death
If kidneys impaired or taking medications for
heart disease or diuretics  risk and need to
be cautious.

67. K+
Deficiency
Hypokalemia: Too little K+ in blood.
– risk of hypertension, kidney stones, and
loss of bone mass.
Caused by prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
Can lead to:
• Muscle Weakness and Cramps
• Glucose intolerance
• Irregular Heart Beat and Paralysis

68. Sulfur
Components of someproteins

69. 2
–
Sulfate (SO4
)
• An Oxidized form of Sulfur (S)
• Sulfate is a part of other compounds in
Body:
– Proteins
– Thiamin
– Biotin
Absorption
– Is absorbed throughout the GI tract
– About 80% SO4consumed is Absorbed.
2-
– Kidneys excrete excess.

70. Metabolic Functions of
Sulfate
Part of Amino Acids Methionine and
Cysteine
Involved in the tertiary and quaternary
structure of proteins

71. Sulfur - Can be used as a Preservative
Sulfites prevents spoilage and discoloration in
foods
e.g. Sulfites are found in wine - those sensitive
may get:
Headaches, sneezing, swelling of the throat,
hives
Food Sources of Sulfate
• Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs
• Legumes
• Dairy foods
• Fruits and vegetables
• Beverages: Beer, wine

72. Bones Extracellular Electrolyte

73. Sodium
(Na)
• Major Mineral => Na+ Electrolyte
• Cation usually combined with chloride
(NaCl)
• Primarily in Blood and extracellular fluid (ECF)
• Regulates Blood Volume
Na also Located:
• Within Hydroxyapatite crystals in bone;
• In Nervous Tissue;
• In Muscular Tissue.
Table salt – accounts for 90% of our Na -
part
of our problem? Can use Sea Salt!

74. Absorption, Transport, and Excretion of
Na
• 95-100% absorbed in Small Intestine!
• About 5% Excreted in Feces.
• Blood levels Maintained by Kidneys.
Na Regulates Fluid Volumes:
High [Na+] signals need to Conserve Water.
Hypertonic (‘salty’) blood triggers Thirst
mechanism in
Hypothalamus – signals
drinking!
Also triggers Renin release, then
Angiotensinogen
activation and also ADH release to urine
Na loss through
perspiration!

75. Sodium Balance Maintained by
Kidneys
Aldosterone causes
kidney to retain
sodium!

76. Na plays a role in nerve impulse
transmission
and participates
in muscle
contraction
• Helps transport
some nutrients
• Preserves and enhances food flavor!

77. Food Sources of
Sodium
Some Facts and Figures about Na use:
• About 70% of Na is from processed
foods.
Canned, processed meats, frozen or pre-packaged
meals
• Only 12% comes from natural food
sources
• About 5% added during cooking.
• About 6% added at the table.

78. Hypernatremia (excess Na in blood) – when
fluids not replenished as water is lost (e.g. vomiting
or diarrhea)
* Or, from ingesting too much Na+
Sodium deficiency is rare.
Hyponatremia - from consuming too much
water in a short time, e.g. endurance athletes.
Symptoms: Headache, muscle weakness,
fatigue, seizures, as we have seen, can
cause death.
* Also occurs with Diuretic use.