Lecture Notes: Understanding Minerals in Nutrition

Introduction to Minerals

• Definition: Minerals are inorganic compounds needed in small amounts for body regulation and health.
• Inorganic vs Organic: Minerals are inorganic (do not contain carbon), unlike vitamins which are organic.

Classes of Minerals

Macro Minerals

• Needed in larger amounts compared to trace minerals.
• Examples:
  • Calcium:
    • Found in milk, milk products, fortified foods (e.g., orange juice).
    • Essential for bone formation.
  • Sodium:
    • Found in table salt.
    • Helps maintain water balance and acid-base balance in the body.
  • Potassium:
    • Found in milk, meat, vegetables.
    • Necessary for healthy nerve function, helps electric flow in nerves.

Trace Minerals

• Needed in smaller amounts but are critically important.
• Examples:
  • Iron:
    • Found in red meat, iron-fortified grains.
    • Essential for hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport in red blood cells.
    • Deficiency can lead to anemia.
  • Fluoride:
    • Added to toothpaste and drinking water.
    • Prevents cavities.
  • Iodine:
    • Added to iodized salt.
    • Necessary for thyroid hormone production, regulates metabolism.
    • Deficiency can lead to goiter.

Importance of Minerals

• Both macro and trace minerals are vital for various bodily functions.
• Imbalances or deficiencies can lead to significant health issues (e.g., anemia from iron deficiency, goiter from iodine deficiency).

Conclusion

• Understanding the role and sources of different minerals can aid in maintaining a balanced diet and promoting overall health.