Minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body’s cells. The body needs relatively large quantities of
Chloride
These minerals are called macrominerals. Bone, muscle, heart, and brain function depends on these minerals.
The body needs small quantities of
Manganese
Molybdenum
These minerals are called trace minerals. Except for chromium, all trace minerals are incorporated into enzymes or hormones required in body processes (metabolism). Chromium helps the body keep blood sugar levels normal. It is not clear whether chromium should be considered an essential (required) trace element.
Both macrominerals and trace minerals are harmful if too much is ingested.
Minerals are an essential part of a healthy diet. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA)—the amount most healthy people need each day to remain healthy—has been determined for most minerals. People who have a disorder may need more or less than this amount.
Consuming too little or too much of certain minerals can cause a nutritional disorder. People who eat a balanced diet containing a variety of foods are unlikely to develop a nutritional disorder or a major mineral deficiency, except sometimes for iodine, iron, or zinc. However, people who follow restrictive diets may not consume enough of a particular mineral (or vitamin). For example, vegetarians, including those who eat eggs and dairy products, are at risk of iron deficiency. Infants are more likely to develop deficiencies because they are growing rapidly (thus requiring larger amounts of nutrients for their size than adults).
Consuming large amounts (megadoses) of mineral supplements without medical supervision may have harmful (toxic) effects.
Some mineral disorders (such as manganese and molybdenum disorders) are very rare or may not exist.
Electrolytes
Some minerals—especially the macrominerals—are important as electrolytes Overview of Electrolytes Well over half of the body's weight is made up of water. Doctors think about the body's water as being restricted to various spaces, called fluid compartments. The three main compartments are... read more . The body uses electrolytes to help regulate nerve and muscle function and to maintain acid-base balance Overview of Acid-Base Balance An important property of blood is its degree of acidity or alkalinity. The acidity or alkalinity of any solution, including blood, is indicated on the pH scale. The pH scale, ranges from 0 ... read more and water balance About Body Water Water accounts for about one half to two thirds of an average person’s weight. Fat tissue has a lower percentage of water than lean tissue and women tend to have more fat, so the percentage... read more . If the balance of electrolytes Electrolyte Balance is disturbed, disorders can develop.
Diagnosis
Often blood or urine tests
Doctors can detect many common nutritional disorders or an electrolyte imbalance by measuring the levels of minerals in a sample of blood or urine.
More Information
The following is an English-language resource that may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
United States Department of Agriculture: Vitamins and Minerals: General information about vitamins and minerals, including information on supplements
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
chromium |
No brand name available |
copper |
No brand name available |
selenium |
Selepen |
