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Mineral GlossaryCalcium Calcium (Ca) is a major mineral in bones and teeth and regulates muscle contraction and relaxation. The physiological functions of calcium are so vital to survival that the body will demineralize (use minerals within the bone) bone to maintain normal blood calcium levels when calcium intake is inadequate. Thus, adequate dietary calcium is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skeleton. Calcium activates enzymes in various metabolic pathways and aids in blood clotting. The skeleton, including teeth and bones accounts for 99% of the body's calcium. Calcium is required for the Mineralization of bones and teeth as well as the clotting of blood, stimulation of secretory activity in endocrine, exocrine and neurocrine cells. Calcium also acts as an important intracellular messenger. Calcium is essential for bone remodeling for the formation of sturdy skeletal mass during linear bone growth. Chromium Chromium (Cr) is an essential trace element for humans. Chromium is distributed throughout the body, however studies and evidence regarding distribution are limited. Chromium is recognized as a nutritionally essential mineral, although scientists are not yet certain exactly how it functions in the body. Copper Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for humans and animals. Copper is a critical functional component of a number of essential enzymes known as cuproenzymes. The copper-dependent enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase, plays a critical role in cellular energy production and in the biochemistry of living organisms. Copper is required for: normal infant development, red and white blood cell maturation, iron transport, bone strength, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, myocardial contractility, brain development, immune function and for protection against oxidative stress. Scientists are still uncovering new information regarding the functions of copper in the human body. Iodine Iodine (I), a non-metallic trace element, is required by humans for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Iodine’s major function in the body is its role in the formation of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones stimulate basal rate of metabolism, oxygen consumption and heat production. Thyroid hormones are necessary for normal nervous system development and linear growth. Most organ systems are directly or indirectly under the influence of thyroid hormones. Magnesium Magnesium (Mg) is an essential trace mineral involved in over 300 metabolic reactions including cellular energy generation, nucleic acid production (DNA, RNA), and protein synthesis. Magnesium is critical to energy production, transport of potassium and calcium ions, modulation of signal transduction, and cell proliferation. Magnesium is also essential for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, membrane integrity, and vascular tone. Magnesium is directly involved in bone metabolism. It is necessary for formation of bone crystals and the organic matrix of bones. Magnesium affects numerous hormones (parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, calcitonin) that help regulate bone metabolism. Selenium Selenium (Se) is a trace element that is essential in small amounts and is required for the function of selenoproteins, which include important antioxidant enzymes. Humans and animals require selenium for the function of a number of selenium-dependent enzymes, also known as selenoproteins. Selenium has important antioxidant effects derived from its ability to reduce hydrogen peroxide and phospholipid hydroperoxides and thereby stop the production of free radicals and reactive forms of oxygen. Selenium also reduces hydroperoxide intermediates thus lowering the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leucotrienes. Zinc Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for all forms of life. Zinc is a component of every living cell in the body, thus numerous aspects of cellular metabolism are zinc-dependent. Zinc plays important roles in growth and development, the immune response, neurological function, and reproduction. Other functions that are zinc dependent are: Zinc is needed for DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, mitosis, and cell activation. Zinc-dependent enzymes are involved in metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Zinc plays as essential role in cell membrane integrity. Zinc helps manage insulin action and blood glucose concentration. Zinc has an essential role in development and maintenance of the body's immune system. Zinc is required for bone and teeth mineralization. Zinc is particularly important for cells that are rapidly turning over such as those in the immune system; as well as in the maintenance of the central nervous system. We have made every effort in this section to describe key aspects of how minerals function in the body. The information on minerals described in this web site does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, and interactions. It is not intended as medical advice for individual problems. Liability for individual actions or omissions based upon the contents of this site is expressly disclaimed. |
