macrominerals complete

I. Description/History

Macro-Minerals

Macro-minerals are nutrients. Minerals help the body perform numerous functions, such as building strong bones, transmitting nerve impulses, making hormones and maintaining a regular heartbeat.

Macrominerals consist of calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. These minerals are needed in large quantities; 10 grams per kilogram diet.

Macro-minerals are the major minerals in animal nutrition (as distinct from trace minerals[micro-minerals]). Minerals are essential for body functioning and structure. They help to build body tissues (e.g. bone) or to regulate metabolic activities.

Dr. Linus Pauling, the only person in history who was awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes wrote this of minerals:

“You can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.”

The total mineral content of the body is approximately 4 percent of body weight. Macrominerals are present in the body in relatively larger amounts than micro minerals (thus the name) and include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium. Calcium makes up approximately 1.75 percent of total body weight, phosphorus makes up approximately 1.10 percent of total body weight, and magnesium makes up approximately .04 percent of total body weight.

Food Sources of Macro-minerals, Deficiencies and Toxicity

Calcium

dairy products, almonds, sardines, asparagus, molasses, green leafy vegetables,egg yolk, soybeans, dandelion greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens.Although some of the foods listed provide calcium, the oxalic acid found in chocolate, rhubarb, mustard greens, spinach, chard, almonds, and spinach can interfere with calcium absorption.

Deficiency States: Osteoporosis; Rickets, Osteomalacia; Hypoglycemic on increased protein diets; Tetany; Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension; Tooth decay / periodontal disease; Glucose intolerance..

Exceptional Needs: Childhood; Pregnancy; Lactation; Infancy; After periods of prolonged bed-rest, ie., Hospitalization; Hyperthyroidism; Osteoporosis; Hypertension; Hypochlorhydria.

Chloride

found in table salt or sea salt as sodium chloride. It is also found in many vegetables. Foods with higher amounts of chloride include seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and olives. Potassium chloride is found in most foods and is usually the main ingredient of salt substitutes.

Magnesium

Molasses, almonds, cashews, brewers yeast, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and soybeans.

Deficiency States: Post-surgical or burn patients; Increased calcium intake; Cirrhosis of the liver; Diabetic acidosis; Arteriosclerosis; Leukemia; Tetany; Sudden cardiac death; Hyper-aldosteronism.

Toxicity: May cause CNS depression, anesthesis and possibly paralysis.

Phosphorus

is found in most foods, especially carbonated soft drinks.

Toxicity: Excessive ingestion may cause Osteoporosis and severe diarrhea.

Deficiency States: Increased Plasma Calcium concentrations; Increased Parathyroid concentrations.

Potassium

bananas, lettuce, broccoli, potatoes, fresh fruit, sardines, herring, dates, raisins, sunflower seeds and brown rice.

Deficiency States: Patients on highly refined carbohydrate and salt diets; digitalis therapy~ or patients with diabetes mellitus, hypotension, severe diarrhea or vomiting; Hypercholesterolemia.

Toxicity: Hyperkalemia may be seen in patients with cardiac irregularities and renal failure.

Sodium

is present in most foods, and because of this people usually consume too much of it, excess sodium in the diet contributes to potassium loss in the urine resulting in a potassium deficiency.

Deficiency States: Periods of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea and diaphoresis; Decreased calcium absorption; Decreased Vitamin "C" in the adrenals; Hypochlorhydria; Reproductive disorders.

Toxicity: Excessive intake may contribute to hypertension.

Functions

Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and the fifth most abundant substance. About 99% is deposited in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is involved in the soft tissues, intracellular fluids and blood. The major function of Calcium is to act in cooperation with phosphorus to build and maintain bones and teeth. Another important function is the storage of the mineral in the bones for use by the body. The Calcium state of the bones is constantly fluctuating according to the diet and to the body’s needs. The 1% of ionized Calcium that circulates in the fluids of the body is small, but vital, to life. It is essential for healthy blood and eases insomnia and its delicate messenger ions help regulate the heartbeat. Along with Calcium, magnesium is needed to properly maintain the cardiovascular system. In addition, Calcium assists in the process of blood clotting and helps prevent the accumulation of too much acid or too much alkali in the blood. It also plays a part in secretion of hormones. It affects neurotransmitters (serotonin, acetylcholine and norepinephrine), nerve transmission, muscle growth and muscle contraction. The mineral acts as a messenger from the cell surface to the inside of the cell and helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of the cell walls.

Calcium may be beneficial for the following ailments:
Anemia, Diabetes, Hemophilia, Pernicious anemia, Backache, Fracture, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Colitis, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Epilepsy, Finger tremors, Insomnia, Irritability, Mental illness, Nervousness, Parkinson’s Disease, Meniere’s Syndrome, Cataracts, Headache, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, High LDL levels, Cancer of the large intestine, Celiac Disease, Constipation, Hemorrhoids, Worms, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Nephritis, Muscle cramps, Allergies, Common cold, Tuberculosis, Tetany, Nail problems, Acne, Bee and Spider bites, Sunburn, Stomach ulcers, Brittle teeth, Cavities, Pyorrhea, Tooth and Gum disorders, Aging Fever, Overweight, Obesity, and Toxicity.

Magnesium (Mg)
Magnesium is an essential mineral that accounts for about 0.05% of the body’s total weight. Magnesium is involved in many essential metabolic processes. Most is found inside the cell, where it activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. By countering the stimulative effect of calcium, magnesium plays an important role in neuromuscular contractions. It also helps regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Magnesium helps promote absorption and metabolism of other minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. It also helps utilize the B Complex and Vitamins C and E in the body. It aids during bone growth and is necessary for proper functioning of the muscles including those of the heart.

Magnesium may be beneficial for the following ailments:
Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerois, High cholesterol level, Diabetes, Hypertension. High LDL cholesterol, Fracture, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Colitis, Diarrhea, Depression, Epilepsy, Mental illness, Multiple Sclerosis, Nervousness, Neuritis, Neuromuscular Disorders, Noise Sensitivity, Parkinson’s Disease, Tantrums, Hand Tremors, Coronary thrombosis, Ischemic heart disease, Celiac Disease, Arthritis, Kidney Stones, Oxalate stones, Leg cramps, Muscle weakness, Muscular excitability, Neuromuscular disorders, Weakness, Psoriasis, Decay, Vomiting, Alcoholism, Backache, Convulsions, Delirium, Epilepsy, Kwashiorkor, Overweight, Obesity, PMS and Polio.

Phosphorus (P)
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body and is found in every cell. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is needed for them to be effectively used by the body. Phosphorus plays a part in almost every chemical reaction within the body because it is present in every cell. It is important in the utilization of carbohydrates, fats and protein for growth, maintenance and repair and mediation, both within and without the cells, and for the production of energy. It stimulates muscle contractions, including the regular contractions of the heart muscle. Niacin and riboflavin cannot be digested unless phosphorus is present. Phosphorus is an essential part of nucleoproteins, which are responsible for cell division and reproduction. Phosphorus helps prevent the accumulation of too much acid or too much alkali in the blood, assist in the passage of substances through the cell walls and promote the secretion of glandular hormones. It’s also needed for healthy nerves and efficient mental activity. B-Complex Vitamins and many enzymes require phosphorus to function.

Phosphorus may be beneficial for the following ailments:
Fractures, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis, Rickets, Stunted growth, Colitis, Mental illness, Mental stress, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Arthritis, Stone arthritic conditions, Leg cramps, Tooth and gum disorders, Alcoholism, Backache, Cancer prevention, Pregnancy and Stress.

Potassium (K)
Potassium is an essential mineral found mainly in the intracellular fluid (98%), where it is the primary positive ion force. Potassium constitutes 5% of the total mineral content of the body. Potassium and sodium help regulate water balance within the body, that is, they help regulate the distribution of fluids on either side of the cell walls and preserve proper alkalinity of the body fluids. Potassium also regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Potassium unites with phosphorus to send oxygen to the brain and also functions with calcium in the regulation of neuromuscular activity. The synthesis of muscle protein and protein from the amino acids in the blood requires potassium. Protein and carbohydrate metabolism are dependent upon potassium. It stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes. Potassium works with sodium to help normalize the heartbeat.

Potassium may be beneficial for the following ailments:
Angina, Pectoris, Diabetes, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Mononucleosis, Stroke, Fracture, Colitis, Diarrhea, Alcoholism, Insomnia, Poor reflexes, Polio, Mononucleosis, Fever, Headache, Congestive heart failure, Myocardial infarction, Constipation, Worms, Arthritis, Gout, Allergies, Impaired muscle activity, Muscular Dystrophy, Rheumatism, Sterility, Acne, Burns, Dermatitis, Colic, Gastroenteritis, Tooth and Gum disorders, Cancer, Impaired growth and Stress.

RDA

Calcium

BENEFITS:

• Bones, teeth, hormone secretion, enzyme activation, nerve transmission, blood clotting, blood pressure, heart rhythm, muscles
• Enhances absorption: magnesium, A, D, C, F, iron

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

• Brittle bones, osteoporosis, tooth decay, heart palpitations, muscle pain, tetany, insomnia

RDA:

• 31–50: Men: 1,000 mg, Women: 1,000 mg
• 51+ : Men: 1,200 mg, Women: 1,200 mg
• 1,200 mg #1 CHOICE Liquid Vitamin Mineral Dietary Nutritional Supplement

UPPER LIMIT PER DAY:

• 2500 mg

FOOD SOURCES:

• Yogurt, cheese, milk, tofu, almonds, liver, sardines, salmon, shellfish, bone meal, dolomite, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, fortified juices, soy milk

DEPLETING FACTORS:

• Excess saturated fat in diet

WHO GETS LESS THAN RDA:

• 68% of diets deficient

CHLORIDE

BENEFITS:

• Balances fluids in the body, component of stomach acid, essential to digestion

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

• Failure-to-thrive, anorexia, weakness in infants

RDA:

• Men: 750 mg, Women: 750 mg
• 15.33 mg #1 CHOICE Liquid Vitamin Mineral Dietary Nutritional Supplement

UPPER LIMIT PER DAY:

• 6000 mg

FOOD SOURCES:

• Salt (sodium chloride), soy sauce, monosodium glutamate, processed foods · (Abundant in U.S. diets)

DEPLETING FACTORS:

• Burns, vomiting, chronic diarrhea, diuretic use, excessive sweating

WHO GETS LESS THAN RDA:

• Mean sodium/chloride intake for the U.S. is 3,280 mg Cl or 8.2 grams salt per day
• Check infant chloride deficient formulas (<5>

POTASSIUM

BENEFITS:

• Heartbeat, blood pressure, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, bones, kidneys, fluids
• Enhances absorption: B-6, sodium

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

• Not likely, potassium is STORED IN MUSCLES, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, dry skin, nervousness, irregular (slow) heartbeat, insomnia

RDA:

• Men: 2000 mg, Women: 2000 mg
• 10 mg #1 CHOICE Liquid Vitamin Mineral Dietary Nutritional Supplement

FOOD SOURCES:

• Meat, seafood, milk, fruits, dates, figs, peaches, nuts, bananas, apricots, vegetables, grains, legumes, ALL FOODS

DEPLETING FACTORS:

• Mercury, cadmium

WHO GETS LESS THAN RDA:

• Not Determined

SODIUM

BENEFITS:

• Balances body fluids, blood pressure, nerve impulses, muscle contractions

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

• Decreased blood volume and blood pressure that could result in shock

RDA:

• Men: 500 mg, Women: 500 mg

UPPER LIMIT PER DAY:

• 2400 mg, most Americans consume 4000–6000 mg per day (sodium not salt)
• (No need to supplement) 4.8 mg #1 CHOICE Liquid Vitamin Mineral Dietary Nutritional Supplement

FOOD SOURCES:

• Salt, soy sauce, processed foods, vegetables, pickles, olives, sauerkraut, fish, meats

DEPLETING FACTORS:

• Chronic diarrhea, excessive sweating, kidney disease

WHO GETS LESS THAN RDA:

• Not Determined, average salt intake for U.S. is 8.2 grams salt per day 8x's RDA

Edited by: Clarence Eda