A 2 year old child, Sonya, craves MUD PIES and CAT LITTER even though her parents provide her with a varied and healthy diet. Her parents can’t solve this mystery. CAN YOU??

Minerals

•Found in nearly all foods•Do NOT supply energy•Regulate body chemistry and body functions. •Can not be produced by our body. Must be EATEN.

MINERALS

Part of vitamins Found in enzymes Found in hormones Found in bones Found in muscles

There are about 60 different minerals that make up about 4 % of our bodies

Macrominerals

Found in relatively large amounts Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Potassium

Trace Minerals

Found in very small amounts Iron Zinc Fluorine Copper Iodine

BIO-AVAILABILITY

Our bodies vary in their capabilities to absorb & use of available minerals

Minerals may be present in foods but, they are NOT Bioavailable unless our body can absorb them

Minerals from animal products are absorbed better

Mineral content of plant products depends on soil

FATORS THAT LIMIT BIO-AVAILABILITY:

FIBER MINERALS

Calcium 20-40%

Function 99%=Helps bones,

teeth; blood serum, clotting, muscles, nerves.

Prevents Osteoporosis

Toxicity Kidney disfunction

Sources Milk Dates Broccoli Greens-spinach

Phosphorus 70%

Function BONES (85%) Cells Enzymes DNA Releases energy

Prevents Osteoporosis

Toxicity Calcification of tissues

Sources Avocados Raisins Whole grains Meat eggs milk

Potassium 90%

Function 95%=Fluid balance

(Inside) Heart and other

muscles Nerves

Prevents Irregularity of heart

action

Toxicity Muscular weakness

Sources Oranges Peaches Pears Bananas Dates Apples Avocados raisins

Sodium 99%

Function Regulates fluids

(outside) Regulate muscles,

heart, nerves

Prevents Too much contributes

to high blood pressure

Toxicity Hypertension

Sources Table salt Cured meats Soy Sauce Sauces Processed foods Packaged foods

Iron 10-20%

Function Blood Hemoglobin Carries oxygen

to cells Prevents

Iron deficiency anemia

Too Much: HEMOCHROMATOSIS

TYPES: HEME and

NONHEME

Sources: Dark Green leafy vegetables and Red meats

Zinc 10-35%

Functions Growth Maintenance of

body Affects taste

sensation Prevents

Growth failure (dwarfism)

Poor wound healing

Sources Avocados Raisins Dairy products Whole grains Meats Poultry Fish

Flourine

Function Teeth and bones Works with calcium

Prevents Tooth decay

Toxicity Discoloration of teeth Nausea, diarrhea

Sources Fluoridated water Seafood Eggs Some toothpastes

Copper

Function Helps form

hemoglobin Makes red blood

cells Prevents

Anemia Bone abnormalities

Toxicity Liver, kidney, and

brain damage

Sources Meat Egg yolks Green vegetables Grains Shell fish Organ meats

Iodine

Function Thyroid – regulates

growth, development, and metabolic rate

Prevents Goiter Cretinism: stunt

growth

Sources Salt water fish Iodized table salt