Biology Section

Minerals and their Significance to a Human Body

MacroElements::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Calcium(Ca)Sources:Milk,Cereals, Cheese, Green, Vegetables, Fish, Egg, Meat etc.

Significance:Main component for formation of teeth and bones, blood clotting, function of nerves and muscles.

Effects of deficiency :Weak teeth and bones, retarded body growth, children suffered by Rickets.

Phosphorus(P)Sources:Vegetables, Soybean, Milk, Egg, Fish, Meat etc.

Significance:Required for formation of teeth and bones,Synthesis of Nucleic acids.

Effects of deficiency :Weak teeth and bones;retarded body growth and physiology, children suffered by Rickets.

Sulphur(S)Sources:Many proteins of food.

Significance:Component of many amino acids.

Effects of deficiency :Distributed protein metabolism.

Potassium(K)Sources:Meat, milk, cereals, fruits and vegetables

Significance:Required for acid-base balance, water regulation and function of nerves.

Effects of deficiency :Low blood pressure, weak muscles;risk of paralysis.

Chlorine(Cl)Sources:Table salt

Significance:Required for acid base balance;component of gastric juice.

Effects of deficiency :Loss of appetite;muscles cramps.

Magnesium(Mg)Sources:Cereals, green vegetables

Significance:Co-factor of many enzymes of glycolysis and a number of another metabolic reactions dependent upon ATP.

Effects of deficiency :Irregular heart beat, muscles pain, hysteria.

Iron(Fe)Sources:Meat, Eggs, Cereals, Green Vegetables, Pulses, Fruits, Fish etc.

Significance:Main component of hemoglobin.

Effects of deficiency :Anemia, weakness and weak immunity.

Iodine(I)Sources:Milk, Cheese, Sea Food, Beat, Salgam

Significance:Important component of Thyroxine hormone and Thyroid Gland.

Effects of deficiency :Goiter, Cretinism.

Sodium(Na)Sources:Salt, Vegetables, Fish, Eggs, Meat etc.

Significance:Control function of Heart, Muscles and Nerves.

Effects of deficiency :Destroy Muscles,Weight Loss, Tiredness.Micro Elements

Fluorine(F)Sources:Drinking water, tea, sea food

Significance:Maintenance of bones and teeth.

Effects of deficiency :Weak teeth, larger amount causes mottling of teeth.

Zinc(Zn)Sources:Cereals, Milk, eggs, meat, sea food

Significance:Co-factor of digestive andmany other enzymes.

Effects of deficiency :Retarded growth,anaemia, rough skin, weak immunity and fertility.

Copper(Cu)Sources:Meat, dry fruits, pods, green vegetables, sea food.

Significance:Co-factor of cytochrome oxidase enzyme. Necessary for iron metabolism and development of blood vessels and connective tissues.

Effects of deficiency :Anaemia, weak blood vessels and connective tissues.

Manganese(MN)Sources:Dry fruits, cereals, tea fruits and green vegetables.

Significance:Co-factor of some enzymes of urea synthesis and transfer of phosphate group.

Effects of deficiency :Irregular growth of bones, cartilages and connective tissues.

Cobalt(Co)Sources:Milk, cheese, meat.

Significance:Important component of Vitamin B12.
deficiency :Anaemia

Selenium(SE)Sources:Meat, cereals, sea food.

Significance:Co-factor of many enzymes;assists Vitamin E.

Effects of deficiency :Muscular pain;weakness of cardiac muscles.

Chromium(CR)Sources:Yeast, sea food, meat, some vegetables

Significance:Important for catabolic metabolism.

Effects of deficiency :Irregularities of catabolic metabolism and ATP production.

Molybdenum(MO)Sources:Cereals, pods, some vegetables.
Significance:Co-factor of some enzymes.

Effects of deficiency :Irregular excretion of nitrogenous waste products.