Mineral and Water Function

Mineral and Water Function

Jonda C. Hopper

Nutrition 241

August 11, 2013

Dana Griffith

Mineral and Water Function

There are over 20 minerals that a body needs to stay healthy. Minerals that require 100mg per day are considered to be major minerals. These minerals include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sulfur. Minerals that needed in smaller amounts are called trace elements. These elements include iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, chromium, fluoride, manganese, molybdenum and others. Minerals contribute to the body structure and the regulation of the processes that maintain life (WileyPlus, 2006).

Many minerals serve more than one function in the body. Some help to regulate fluid balance, energy production and gene expression. Many act as cofactors that are needed for enzyme activity. Mineral sources are found in both plant and animals. Meats provide iron and because iron is part of a protein in the muscle, it causes the red color. Mineral content can be affected by where a plant/vegetable is grown or the grasses that an animal eats.  Minerals are also found in the skins of fruits and vegetables.

Water plays several important roles in the body: transportation, participation, reactions, lubrication and temperature regulation. Water is the primary source of transportation of nutrients, gases, nitrogenous wastes and electrolytes in the body. Blood and lymph fluids carry water and its dissolved solutes to and from most cells in the body. Cells need these transported substances to perform their functions in the body.

Water participates as a reactant in chemical reactions. Without water cells would not be able to build new molecules or get energy from fuel molecules.

Water absorbs and releases large amounts of heat. Sweating will remove excess heat with water vapors. Body temperatures that are above the normal/average body temperature are not beneficial for maintaining homeostasis.

Water makes up most of the lubricating fluids between the moving organs. Certain tissues move fluids between organs to reduce damage caused by friction.

Dehydration can be life threatening. Without water a body can only survive for a few days. When water loss is high it can reduce blood volume, the ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove waste. Early symptoms of dehydration include thirst, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth and dark urine. Late symptoms of dehydration can include nausea, confusion and disorientation. If a body loses between 10% and 20% of body weight that is water the result can be fatal.