The Role Of Minerals And Their Classification

The role of minerals is important, as the human body needs them to stay alive and function properly – just as it needs oxygen and water. They are part of the basic nutrients for life along with carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and vitamins.

The role of minerals is important in nutrition. This is because these chemicals can maintain proper function in the body. In fact, they are part of a wide range of important physiological processes for the development of daily activities.

However, the human body cannot synthesize them itself despite their vital importance. That is why it is necessary to get them through the diet. The primary way to do this is through the intake of water, plants and foods of animal origin.

In today’s article, we will discuss what they are, what their health benefits are, and how they are classified.

What exactly are minerals?

Minerals are inorganic substances that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body. About 4% of the total weight in humans is due to the presence of these elements. The amount found in the body, however, has nothing to do with the meaning or function they perform.

The four main structural elements – oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon – are not included in the list of these nutrients. However, they represent 96% of body weight. The remaining 4% consists of macro- and micro-minerals.

Unlike fats, carbohydrates and proteins, the former are not considered energy-giving nutrients. However, they exercise a vital regulatory action for the normal development of daily activities. A deficit can trigger disease and nutritional problems.

The role of minerals in the human body

Minerals are needed to support certain biochemical processes in the body. They also perform some structural functions. Each of them has its own role, but in general you can summarize them as follows:

Minerals are structural components of tissues such as teeth and bones. In addition, they are basic members of cells.
They are involved in maintaining the acid-base balance.
They also ensure an optimal water balance.
They also participate in the transport of air.
They are necessary to perform contractions of the muscles.
They also participate in the conversion of other substances such as lipids, glucose and energy storage.
Microminerals play an important role as enzyme catalysts. Their effect on enzymes with antioxidant ability stands out.

Possible health benefits

In addition to their functions, these components also arouse interest in science for their potential benefits for disease prevention. A large deficit of one of them may be related to a greater risk of chronic diseases.

Osteoporosis

Low calcium intake is associated with osteoporosis. It is not the only nutrient with an important role here, although it is a necessity for proper bone formation – especially in childhood and adolescence.

High blood pressure and heart health

There is no doubt that the presence of potassium in the diet is one of the primary elements for people with high blood pressure. Calcium and magnesium are also important as they have an inverse association with cardiovascular disease.

The role of diet is important as studies cast doubt on the effectiveness of dietary supplements. Thus, there is the recommendation to follow the DASH diet, which is low in sodium.

Antioxidant function

Oxidative stress can cause many negative effects on the body such as deterioration and damage to DNA and protein. The human body has specialized enzymes to delay it. This is because of their antioxidant activity. Some elements such as selenium, manganese, copper and zinc are also part of these mechanisms.

The role of minerals and their classification

One can divide these essential nutrients into two major groups: Macro- and micro-minerals. Both are equally important in terms of their role in the human body. Their primary difference lies in the amount required.

The essential macro elements

Your body needs 100 mg or more a day of these. The primary ones are calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium and sulfur.

Lack of macrominerals is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. It often happens with calcium, as it becomes more difficult to absorb it after the age of 50 for both men and women. It leads to serious long-term health problems such as osteoporosis.

Microelements or trace elements

Your body needs these in smaller amounts than the 100 mg for macro elements. The elements that have an important biochemical function in the human body within this category are iron, zinc, fluorine, selenium, copper, chromium, iodine, manganese and molybdenum.

In healthy people, a lack of trace elements is not usually found when they follow a balanced diet. This happens with the exception of iron, iodine and zinc. Instead, they can be toxic in some cases. This is especially true when ingested in large quantities over an extended period of time.

The role of minerals in maintaining life

Minerals are essential because they are involved in many basic functions of the body such as transporting oxygen, forming tissues, synthesizing hormones and enzyme activity.

One can classify them into two large groups based on the amount in which one is to consume them. All are equally important and the supply of them takes place exclusively through the diet.

A balanced diet tailored to one’s needs can provide all the daily minerals that your body needs. In general, the best sources are vegetables, fish, dairy products, legumes and nuts.

Thanks for reading.