Minerals

What is a mineral?
A mineral is an element our body needs in order to function, as it assists our body in essential processes. Our daily intake of minerals varies from a few micrograms to about a gram (Store Medisinske Leksikon, 2018), depending on the mineral itself- whether the mineral in question is a macronutrient or micronutrient. As ingesting pure minerals is fatal, we need to consume them as organic molecules in food or liquids and include certain products in our diet to cover our daily need for certain elements.

What happens if we don't get enough of them?
With minerals it is important to achieve a balance of not having to much or too little of any minerals. What happens when you dong get enough of a certain mineral depends on exactly what minerals it is.

Calcium (Ca)

When you have calcium deficiencies your teeth and bones will start deteriorating as your body uses their calcium stores for other vital functions, like forming new cell membranes and muscle contraction. When your body starts using calcium reserves it will put you at risk for the bone disease osteoperosis.

Sodium(Na)

Sodium deficiency can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia. Mild symptoms of hyponatremia include headaches, nausea and poor balance while severe symptoms include seizures and coma.

Potassium(K)

Potassium deficiency is know as hypokalaemia, symptoms include fatigue, leg cramp and constipation. hypokalaemia increases the risk of an abnormal heath rhythm, and can lead to cardiac arrest.

Magnesium(Mg)

When the body does not get enough magnesium and has a magnesium imbalance there are different symptoms. The symptoms of magnesium deficiency include nystagmus, seizures, tremors and cardiac arrest.