Minerals and Antioxidants

By Tagreed Osman

HOMEOSTATIC REGULATION OF MINERAL ELEMENTS

describe the ability of the body to maintain the content of a specific substance within a certain range despite varying intakes. Homeostasis involves the processes of absorption, storage, and excretion. The relative importance of these three processes varies among the trace elements.

Homeostasis is the term used to

Excretion through the urine, bile, sweat, and breath is, therefore, the primary mechanism for controlling the amount of these trace elements in an organism. By being stored in inactive sites, some trace elements are prevented from causing adverse reactions when present in high quantities. An example of this homeostatic process is the storage of iron as ferritin. Release of a trace element from a storage site also can be important in preventing deficiency.

Overview
What

are minerals? Categories of minerals Antioxidants

What are minerals?

Minerals are substances help the body to grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different functions from building strong bones, to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat

General Characteristics of the Minerals:

Regulate body processes Give structure to things in the body No calories (energy) Cannot be destroyed by heat

Classification of Minerals:
1- Major mineralsmacrominerals with special duties in the body; calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium 2- Trace mineralsminerals needed in only small amounts but serving vital body functions.

Categories of minerals

Major minerals

Trace minerals

Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Electrolytes (sodium, chloride, potassium)

Chromium Copper Flouride Iodine Iron Manganese Selenium Zinc

Essential Minerals and Their Functions

Electrolytes 1 1- Sodium (Na+):

Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure and Fluid balance Participates in active transport mechanisms as part of the plasma membrane Na+K+ ATPase Muscles relax, transmit nerve impulses Regulates blood pressure

Electrolytes 2 2- Potassium (K+): Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure Participates in active transport mechanisms as part of the Na+K+ATPase Has a role in muscle contraction and Nerve impulses. Maintains blood pressure

Electrolytes 3 3- Chloride (Cl+) Participates in the regulation of osmotic pressure and Fluid balance Is a part of gastric acid (HCl) help in Digestion of food. Transmits nerve impulses Is a good oxidizing agent Participates in the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide Important to vitamin B12 absorption

Electrolytes 4

Sources:
Salt (sodium chloride) Fruits, veggies, milk, beans, fish, chicken, nuts (potassium)

4- Calcium (Ca++)
Ca is the mainly extracellular mineral Is an important cell signal with respect to metabolic regulation and the transport of metabolites (and some hormones) from one compartment to another or from one cell to the bloodstream Is a key mineral in cell death, in muscle contraction, Heart rate and Nerve function Play an important role in Teeth and Bone building Helps in blood cloting

5- Phosphorus
Is a component of bones and teeth Serves as a component of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA cell growth, repair) Almost all foods, especially protein-rich foods, contain phosphorus

6- Magnesium
Part of 300 enzymes (regulates body functions) Maintains cells in nerves, muscles Component of bones Best sources are legumes, nuts, and whole grains

7- Iron

Part of hemoglobin, carries oxygen Brain development Healthy immune system

Disorders

- Hypertensionhigh-blood pressure linked to high salt intake. - Osteomalaciaa disease caused by a lack of vitamin D in adults. - Osteoporosiscondition caused by calcium deficiency; bones become porous, weak, fragile. - ToxicityAn excessive amount of a substance that is poisonous in the body.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that prevent cell damage and serve as parts of enzymes. There are many types of antioxidants found in nature. There are vitamin antioxidants that are known to be protective like vitamins A, C, and E.

Antioxidants
There are mineral antioxidants like selenium and zinc and there are pigments (colors). Some pigments in plants and animals are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants trap harmful forms of oxygen and prevent them from damaging cells. Antioxidants in the diet enter the blood stream and act directly to protect cells of the body from damage.

Antioxidants
- In addition, some antioxidants stimulate the immune system, and/or increase the activity of detoxifying enzymes in the liver. - Carotenoids beta carotene (familiar) - Vitamin C - Vitamin E - Found in colorful fruits/veggies and grains

Balanced Diet = Good Health