Topic 4 Minerals

Minerals are abundant in our everyday diet.
20 minerals are considered “essential”
These minerals are divided into two categories based on recommended daily intake.
- If the amount needed is more than 100 milligrams, they are categorized as major minerals.
- Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, chlorine, and potassium.

Magnesium

Muscle contraction, signals in nervous system, enzyme regulation

Whole grains, artichoke, beans, green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts

Phosphorous

Regulates function of nerves and muscles. A building block of DNA and ATP (our main energy source)

Dairy, salmon, red meat, legumes, nuts, whole wheat grains

Potassium

Regulates body fluids and minerals, assist in nerve system function

Dried fruits, legumes, potatoes, spinach, beets, banana, tomatoes

99% of calcium in our bodies is stored in the bones
Calcium is important for the growth of bones and teeth as well as muscle contraction
Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium in our body and how much calcium is absorbed from food.
Calcium is mainly found in dairy also is in leafy greens and nuts.
- In dairy, the absorption of calcium is about 30%
- In leafy greens, the absorption is about 50%.
- However, dairy products have more calcium that leafy greens.

Calcium prior to adulthood
- Calcium from 0-12 years of age is extremely important because it is the most effective time for increasing bone density
- Bone density can be increased in adult years but to a much lesser degree
- Children should consume about 3–4 servings of dairy
Calcium in Adulthood
- Calcium deficiency in adulthood can lead to osteopenia which is inadequate calcium in your bones which increases the risk of breakage
Calcium in Third Age
- Osteopenia risk remains but may lead to osteoporosis as well

Salt is made of sodium and chlorine
- Chlorine in this form is harmless!
Sodium is used for nervous system signaling, muscle contraction, and balance
Sodium deficiency is very rare nowadays
Excess sodium in blood can lead to hypertension, increase blood pressure, and lead to cardiovascular disease
- Your kidneys will need to work in order to excrete excess sodium
How much salt do I need?
- Consume less than 5 grams of salt daily! (about 2000 mg of sodium) to prevent negative health outcomes.
- An average man in Europe consumes about double this amount.