HTF 200: INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION

CHAPTER 7: MINERALS

MAJOR MINERALS AND FUNCTIONS

1)      CALCIUM

      Building bones and teeth

      Blood clotting

      Muscle contraction

      Nerve transmission

      May lower blood pressure

2)      PHOSPHORUS

      Building bones and teeth

      Energy metabolism

      Part of DNA

      Buffer of acids and bases

3)      MAGNESIUM

      Energy metabolism

      Muscle contraction

      Nerve transmission

      Immune system

4)      SODIUM

      Water balance

      Acid-base balance

      Nerve transmission

      Muscle contraction

5)      POTASSIUM

      Water balance

      Acid-base balance

      Nerve transmission

      Muscle relaxation

6)      CHLORIDE

      Water balance

      Acid-base balance

      Part of hydrochloric acid in stomach

7)      SULFUR

      Part of protein, thiamin, and biotin

TRACE MINERALS AND FUNCTIONS

                                i.            IRON: Component of hemoglobin and myoglobin; energy metabolism.

                              ii.            ZINC: Wound healing; bone formation; DNA synthesis; Protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism; development of sexual organs; taste perception.

                            iii.            IODINE: Part of thyroid hormones; normal metabolic rate.

                             iv.            SELENIUM: Part of antioxidant enzymes; regulates thyroid hormones.

                               v.            FLUORIDE: Strong teeth and bones.

                             vi.            CHROMIUM: Works with insulin.

                           vii.            COPPER: Works with iron to form hemoglobin; synthesis of collagen; energy metabolism.

                         viii.            MANGANESE: Form bone; metabolism of carbohydrate, fat and protein.

                             ix.            MOLYBDENUM: Cofactor for several enzymes.

Reference: Drummond, K. E. & Brefere, L. M. (2010). Nutrition for foodservice and culinary professionals. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc.