The Clinical Utility of Minerals : A snapshot
Part 1 .
Bradley McEwen | PhD , MHSc ( Hum Nutr ), BHSc , ND ( Adv ), DBM , DNutr , DSM , M . ATMS , Naturopath , Nutritionist , and Mentor . Adjunct Senior Lecturer , Faculty of Health , Southern Cross University .
Abstract Minerals play a fundamental role in optimising health and managing chronic disease . Some of their roles include mineralisation of bone , antioxidant activity , carbohydrate metabolism , and neurotransmission . This snapshot aims to introduce the clinical utility of the minerals calcium , chromium , magnesium , selenium , and zinc , including the functions , deficiency signs and symptoms , and uses of the minerals . Part 2 will discuss the clinical utility of copper , iodine , iron , manganese , molybdenum , and silica .
Introduction
Optimum nutrition is the foundation for optimum health . 1 , 2 A previous issue of JATMS introduced the clinical utility of the B Vitamins . 3 Minerals are essential for growth and development , 4 , 5 the metabolism of RNA and DNA , gene expression , 6 mineralisation of bone , 7 antioxidant activity , 6 , 8 neurotransmission , 9 signal transduction , 6 carbohydrate metabolism , 10 , 11 and other structural and functional roles . Although not exhaustive , this snapshot aims to introduce the clinical utility of the minerals calcium , chromium , magnesium , selenium , and zinc . including the functions , deficiency signs and symptoms , and uses of the minerals . Part 2 will discuss the clinical utility of the minerals copper , iodine , iron , manganese , molybdenum and silica .
Calcium
Calcium plays a central role in numerous essential functions 7 and affects nearly every aspect of cellular life . 12 Calcium is embedded in collagen fibrils in the form of calcium phosphate ( hydroxyapatite ) and is essential for bone rigidity . 13 Calcium is involved in the mineralisation of bone , 7 structural components of bones and teeth , 14 regulation of muscle contraction , 14 , 15 enzyme regulation , 14 blood clotting , 14 signal transduction , 14 and cell signalling . 15 Chronic untreated calcium deficiency can have many severe consequences , including decreased bone mass , 16 osteomalacia , 14 , 17 , 18 osteopaenia , 18 osteoporosis , 7 , 18 bone fracture , 7 osteoporotic fracture , 16 14 , 17
rickets , hypertension , 14 and insulin resistance . 14 The risk of osteoporosis can be reduced through healthy lifestyle changes , such as adequate dietary intakes of calcium , vitamin D and protein , regular weightbearing exercise , reduction in alcohol intake , and cessation of smoking . 13
14 | vol28 | no1 | JATMS