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Facts About Minerals
Minerals are indigestible substances that
are required in small quantities, dissolve in the fluids of
the body, and are essential to a wide variety of normal body
functions.
Calcium is essential for
the normal functions of muscle including the heart muscle,
the nervous system, blood pressure, dense bones and teeth
and for blood clotting. It is available in milk and milk products,
fish bones, broccoli and some leafy greens.
Potassium with sodium
is essential for the function of nerves and muscles including
the heart muscle. It also contributes to the balance of acids
and bases in the body fluids. Potassium is available in most
fresh foods and in salt substitutes.
Sodium combined with chloride
as salt is responsible for fluid balance and shifts in the
body. With potassium, sodium is essential for the function
of nerves and muscles. It also contributes to the balance
of acids and bases in the body fluids. Sodium is available
in table salt and most processed foods.
Magnesium is essential
for the function of nerves and muscles, forming bones, producing
body substances and the use of fats and carbohydrates. Is
available in legumes, chocolate, leafy greens, seafood and
grains.
Phosphorus contributes
to the outside wall of all cells, as well as a variety of
chemical reactions in the body. It is available in grains,
legumes, nuts and animal products.
Iron is essential for
building the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen.
It is available in meats, legumes, prunes, grains, leafy greens,
and raisins. Seniors, particularly women, require less dietary
iron than adults.
Iodine is essential for
the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate the activities
of the cell including growth, healing, and energy production.
It is available in seafood, and iodized salt.
Trace Minerals, including
zinc, copper, fluoride and chromium, are required in small
amounts and contribute to many body functions.
Points
to Consider |
What
Can I Do to Help? |
When
Should I Call for Help? |
| A lack of calcium can result in muscle cramps, or an
irregular heart rate.
Excess calcium can result in weakness, an irregular
heart rate and kidney stones.
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Ensure an adequate exposure to sunlight to maximize
the absorption of calcium.
Monitor energy levels and take note of irregular heart
beats. |
Report any irregularities
of the heart immediately.
Report muscle cramps or flank pain and urinary irregularities.
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Potassium is not stored in tissues
and must therefore be taken in daily.
Restricted salt diets may suggest a salt substitute.
Salt substitutes are likely to be potassium.
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Ensure fresh fruits and vegetables
are taken daily.
Monitor energy levels, particularly if medications
include diuretics or pills that eliminate excess water.
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Use
salt substitutes under the direction of a physician.
Report any irregularities of the heart immediately.
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Sodium as salt will cause water to be drawn to it
potentially resulting in an increased blood volume and
pressure, water in the tissues, and thirst.
Foods that contain excess sodium may cause the loss
of potassium from the kidney.
Pepper usually accompanies salt. It is a flavour enhancer
that contributes taste without calories. Freshly ground
pepper may irritate gums under dental appliances. |
Reduce or eliminate salt used in cooking. Remove the
salt shaker from the table.
Monitor the blood pressure with a home monitor and
record values regularly.
Monitor the amount of puffiness of tissues, particularly
of the feet and lower legs.
Reduce the amount of sodium intake by limiting the
intake of processed foods, luncheon meats, pre-packaged
foods, sauces and preserved foods such as pickles and
olives.
If you use a fresh pepper grinder, reduce the size
of the grind or rinse dental appliances after meals.
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Inform the physician
of blood pressure values taken at home and any changes
to dietary sodium intake.
Report puffy or swollen tissues.
Report a lack of energy or a feeling that the heart
is beating in an irregular manner.
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| Magnesium is present in Epsom salts.
People with a history of stomach irritation or alcoholism
may be deficient in magnesium. |
Monitoring for energy levels and evidence
of weakness. |
Report any irregularities of the heart immediately.
Report muscle cramps or flank pain and urinary irregularities.
Report excessive alcohol intake.
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| Intake of phosphorus such as with soft drinks reduces
the amount of circulating calcium. |
Soft drinks and drinks sweetened with sugar provide
calories without needed nutrients. |
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Iron is not likely to be deficient
in intake in the elderly. A lack of iron, as well as
several other nutrients may be associated with anemia.
Supplemental iron may result in tarry black or green
stools and constipation.
It is more likely that a decreased number of red blood
cells as anemia results from a lack of vitamin B12 rather
than iron. A lack of vitamin B12 is more likely to occur
with a lack of intake, or a history of stomach irritation
or alcoholism.
| Monitor the intake of foods rich in
vitamin B12, energy levels and stool character and elimination
patterns |
Unexpected
fatigue and pallor should be reported.
Report a change in character of stools.
Report an excessive alcohol intake.
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Table salt is supplemented with iodine and is called
iodized. Non-iodized salt such as kosher salt has become
more popular in recent years.
Problems with the thyroid gland are usually associated
with too much or too little iodine. |
Monitor activity levels |
A mass in the neck,
difficulty swallowing, unexpected fatigue, weight gain
and difficulty concentrating should be reported. In
addition, weight loss, a high heart rate, anxiety and
thinking and speaking too fast should also be reported. |
| Chromium is a trace element that may help to stabilize
blood sugar levels. |
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