Question

1. List the seven major minerals and describe their (a) physiologic func- tion, (b) problems related to deficiency or excess, and (c) dietary sources. and and

Answer 1

ANSWER:

The seven major minerals such as,

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Chloride
• Phosphorous
• Sulfur

PHYSIOLOGIC FUNCTION:

SODIUM:

• Sodium is the cation which is highly present in the extracellular fluid.
• The main function of sodium in the body is water and the salt balance
• Always water follows sodium, when the sodium is increased the water level is also increased.
• Sodium helps to maintain the blood pressure and maintain the fluid balance.
• It also important for proper muscle and nerve function.
• Regulate the acid-base balance with chloride and bicarbonate ions as it is a constituent of buffer.
• It helps in the initiation and maintenance of heart beat.

PROBLEMS RELATED TO DEFICIENCY OR EXCESS:

• The normal level of sodium is 135 - 145 meq/l
• If the sodium level is below 135 meq/l, it is called hyponatremia
• If the sodium level is above 145 meq/l it is called hypernatremia

CARDIOVASCULAR CHANGES:

Depends on the vascular volume the symptoms may vary bounding pulse, normal or elevated central venous pressure.

NEUROMUSCULAR CHANGES:

• Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• Skeletal muscle weakness

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CHANGES:

• Headache
• confusion
• seizure
• coma

GASTROINTESTINAL CHANGES:

• Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
• Increased motility and hyperactive bowel sounds

DIETARY SOURCES WHICH RICH IN SODIUM:

• Butter
• cheese
• canned food
• Table salt
• processed food
• Bacon
• soy sauce
• Frankfruts
• lunch meat

are the foods which rich in sodium

POTASSIUM:

• Potassium is the major cation present inside the cell
• It helps in the transmission of the nerve impulses.
• Along with sodium it helps in the regulation of water balance and the acid base balance in the body and tissues
• It is essential for the proper function of cell, tissue, and the organs in the human body
• Its main function is the regulation of contraction of the heart and muscles
• It regulates the intra cellular osmolality
• It maintain the normal cardiac rhythm

PROBLEMS RELATED TO DEFICIENCY OR EXCESS:

• The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 meq/l
• If the potassium level is less than 3.5 meq/l it is called Hypokalemia
• If the potassium level is more than 5.0meq/l it is called Hyperkalemia

The changes like

• Decreased blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension
• Weak irregular pulse and irregular heart rate
• Skeletal muscle weakness

DIET WHICH IS RICH IN POTASSIUM:

• carrots
• fish
• potato
• raisins
• mushrooms
• spinach
• pork
• beef
• bananas
• orange
• strawberry

are rich in potassium.