The major
minerals - sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium,
iron and their various salts - constitute most of the inorganic
material in the body and account for three to four percent
of body weight. Physiologic trace elements, such as zinc,
copper, manganese and chromium, constitute less than 0.01
percent of body mass, but play an important role because they
are essential cofactors in biochemical reactions.
Iron,
of course, is important in the formation of blood cells and
also plays a vital role in cellular oxidative mechanisms.
Our body could not function without this important mineral.
Copper is also important, having an integral role in the function
of metalloenzymes. Manganese is needed as a cofactor in many
biosynthetic enzymes and enzymes necessary in the cell's energy
production. Chromium appears to be necessary for the utilization
of glucose. The more common minerals of sodium, potassium,
and calcium are responsible for electrochemical conductivity
in the nervous system and muscles.
Thus,
minerals can be important in our body despite some of their
concentrations being very small. Research is in progress throughout
the world to learn more about this form of nutrition.
Kenneth
L. Sisco, M.D., Ph.D., formerly with the Department of Laboratory
Medicine, Naval Hospital, Bethesda and the Medical Director
of Pathology, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Beaumont, Texas, is
now the Medical Director of Pathology, Holy Cross Hospital,
Silver Springs, Maryland, and can be reached at (301) 9051326).
