| Mineral |
Primary Functions |
Deficiency Symptoms |
| Calcium |
Build strong bones and teeth. Required for
muscle contraction and relaxation, heart action, nerve
function, an blood clotting |
Bones that break easily |
| Chromium |
Helps in the breakdown of sugar to release
energy. |
Impaired glucose metabolism |
| Copper |
Forms protective coverings for nerves, needed
in respiration and release of energy. Needed for hemoglobin
and the making of red cells. |
Retarded growth, anemia, bone defects,
impaired metabolism. |
| Iodine |
Part of thyroxine which Helps to regulate
growth, development, reproduction, and metabolic rate. |
Enlarged thyroid gland, sluggishness and
weight gain. |
| Iron |
Part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to
cells. Part of myoglobin, which makes oxygen available for
muscle contraction. |
Anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, headaches,
pale skin, inability to concentrate. |
| Magnesium |
Needed for transmission of nerve impulses. To
release energy from food. Helps resist tooth decay and relaxes
muscles after contraction. |
Confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, and
nervousness. |
| Phosphorus |
Aids in building strong bones and teeth.
Actives vitamins for use. Needed to release energy from food.
Needed for transmission of nerve impulses. |
Bone, pain, loss of appetite, and muscle
weakness. |
| Potassium |
Needed for muscle contraction, heart action,
nerve transmission, fluid balance. Helps build proteins.
Required for the formation of glycogen. |
Apathy, confusion and loss of appetite, muscle
weakness, and irregular heartbeat. |
| Selenium |
Along with vitamin E works as an antioxidant
and protects sell membranes. |
Heart muscle abnormalities, anemia (rare.) |
| Sodium |
Considered necessary for normal fluid balance,
both inside and outside cells; nerve transmission, acid-base
balance, and muscle contraction. |
If other medical problems exists then may be
weakness, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, mental apathy. |
| Zinc |
Works as part of several enzymes. Present in
insulin. Needed for making reproductive hormones, normal sense
of taste, and wound healing. |
Retarded growth, prolonged wound healing, slow
sexual development, loss of taste. |
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