Function and deficiency symptoms of all mineral elements
Here are the functions and deficiency symptoms of all mineral elements:
1. Calcium (Ca)
Function: Helps in the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
Deficiency symptoms: Weak bones and teeth, muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling in hands and feet.
2. Iron (Fe)
Function: Essential component of hemoglobin, carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues. Also involved in energy production and immune system function.
Deficiency symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet.
3. Potassium (K)
Function: Helps regulate fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
Deficiency symptoms: Muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, constipation, high blood pressure.
4. Magnesium (Mg)
Function: Helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, supports immune system and cardiovascular health, and maintains strong bones.
Deficiency symptoms: Muscle cramps, weakness, tremors, fatigue, depression, irregular heartbeat.
5. Zinc (Zn)
Function: Required for normal growth, immune system function, wound healing, and taste and smell sensation.
Deficiency symptoms: Delayed growth and development, weakened immune system, dermatitis, hair loss, impaired taste and smell.
6. Copper (Cu)
Function: Facilitates iron absorption, helps form collagen and connective tissue, and aids in energy production.
Deficiency symptoms: Anemia, bone abnormalities, increased risk of infections, nerve damage, reduced immune function.
7. Manganese (Mn)
Function: Required for bone development, energy production, and antioxidant defense.
Deficiency symptoms: Skeletal abnormalities, poor wound healing, impaired glucose tolerance, seizures, muscle contractions.
8. Selenium (Se)
Function: Antioxidant that protects cells from damage, supports immune system function, and aids in thyroid hormone metabolism.
Deficiency symptoms: Muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, increased risk of infections, thyroid dysfunction.
9. Chromium (Cr)
Function: Regulates blood sugar levels, enhances insulin sensitivity, and supports carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Deficiency symptoms: Impaired glucose tolerance, elevated blood sugar levels, weight loss, altered fat metabolism.
10. Fluorine (F)
Function: Helps strengthen bones and teeth, and prevents tooth decay.
Deficiency symptoms: Increased risk of tooth decay.
11. Iodine (I)
Function: Essential for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism, growth, and development.
Deficiency symptoms: Goiter, impaired cognitive development, hypothyroidism, fatigue, weight gain.
12. Molybdenum (Mo)
Function: Essential in energy production and carbohydrate metabolism.
Deficiency symptoms: Rare, but can lead to anemia, impaired growth, and neurological damage.