The impact of mineral deficiencies on the body

Nutrients are essential for the human body to function properly. A major category of these nutrients is minerals. Minerals are essential for the formation of healthy bones and teeth, functioning of the muscles and keeping the nerve system healthy. Deficiency in minerals may have an adverse effect on the body and its harmonious functioning.

What are minerals?

Minerals are vital nutrients present in our food and environment. They are inorganic elements that are found in almost every food, especially in plants and biological sources like animals, namely, fish, poultry, etc. They help the body in carrying out many vital functions like digestive processes and growth. The minerals needed by the body are made of metals like iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and so on.

Which minerals are essential for the body to function?

The essential minerals for body functioning are calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and iodine. Calcium is essential for teeth and bone health, sodium for maintaining blood pressure, potassium for healthy heart function, iron for producing haemoglobin, magnesium for muscle functioning, and zinc for maintaining immunity. In addition, iodine is necessary for proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Signs of mineral deficiencies

Though mineral deficiencies may sometimes go unnoticed, they can cause fatigue and signs of ill health. Some common signs of mineral deficiencies include muscle cramps, depression, fatigue, hair loss, dry and scaly skin, and brittle nails. Anaemia, a deficiency in iron, can manifest in the form of pale complexion, shortness of breath, dizziness and unusual headaches.

What causes mineral deficiencies?

The causes of mineral deficiencies vary from person to person and can be anything from poor metabolism, inadequate dietary intake, to chronic use of medications or diseases that impair absorption and excretion of minerals. Usually, a proper balanced diet will help in avoiding these deficiencies.

How to avoid mineral deficiencies?

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is the best way to ensure the right amount of minerals. Include food items such as spinach, beans, peas, seafood, whole grains, and dairy products in your diet. It is also highly recommended to consume a variety of vegetables and fruits that are rich in different minerals. Drinking plenty of water and reducing alcohol intake can also help to reduce mineral deficiencies.

The impact of mineral deficiencies on the body

Mineral deficiencies can have a wide variety of impacts on the body, ranging from decreased energy and impaired immune function to serious diseases over time. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can lead to bone problems such as weak and brittle bones. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia and fatigue. Potassium deficiency can disrupt the nerve and cell functioning, leading to many psychological, neurological and even heart problems.

Long-term impacts of mineral deficiencies

Though it is true that mineral deficiency is a reversible condition, it can cause serious short and long-term health problems if left untreated. A deficiency in iron and/or vitamin B12 can lead to anaemia, whereas a deficiency in zinc can lead to slow wound healing, poor appetite and decreased fertility. Magnesium deficiencies can even lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and migraine headaches.

How to treat mineral deficiencies?

The best way to treat mineral deficiencies is through increasing the mineral content in your diet. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet full of leafy greens, seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat and fish, nuts and seeds, and grains. Additionally, there are supplements that can be taken to help replenish the body's minerals. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before taking any such supplements.

Always consult a doctor

Deficiencies in minerals can lead to serious health issues ranging from fatigue and hair loss to long-term, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. To avoid mineral deficiency, a healthy and balanced diet and occasional supplements can be taken. However, it is important to consult a doctor or nutritionist before taking any supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Here are some responses to the most frequently requested queries related to the impact of mineral deficiencies on the body

What are the essential minerals for body functioning?

The essential minerals for body functioning are calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and iodine.

What is the best way to treat mineral deficiencies?

The best way to treat mineral deficiencies is through increasing the mineral content in your diet. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet full of leafy greens, seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat and fish, nuts and seeds, and grains. Additionally, there are supplements that can be taken to help replenish the body's minerals.

What problems can mineral deficieny cause?

Mineral deficiency can cause fatigue and signs of ill health, such as muscle cramps, depression, hair loss, dry and scaly skin, and brittle nails. Anemia, a deficiency in iron, can manifest in the form of pale complexion, shortness of breath, dizziness and unusual headaches. Long-term mineral deficiency can result in more serious conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraine headaches.