In the earlier units you studied about the complex organic compounds carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. These vital compounds carry out various body functions. They provide energy, support growth and development and also perform protective and regulatory functions. Along with these compounds a set of inorganic elements called minerals are also required by the body. Minerals are defined as those elements which largely remain as ash when plant or animal tissues are completely burnt.
Like vitamins, minerals are micronutrients which perform regulatory and protective functions. The human body contains as many as 19 minerals in widely varying amounts. The total mineral content of the body is, however, small and accounts for only 4-6 per cent of the total body weight. Some of the important minerals found in our body include calcium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, sodium, potassium, zinc and chloride. All these minerals are of course, derived from the food we eat.
Of the minerals we have just mentioned some are required in larger amounts and others in much smaller amounts as you will learn in this unit. Remember, however, that the total amount of minerals required by the body is small. Let us now study some of the minerals required by our body, the role they play, their food sources and their absorption and utilization by the body.
Objectives :
After studying this unit, you will be able to:
- define the term mineral
- differentiate between minerals required in larger amounts and smaller amounts
- describe the functions performed by these minerals in the body
- list the food sources of each of these minerals and
- discuss the absorption and excretion of each specific mineral
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