Minerals

Along with complex organic substances, such as carbohydrates
proteins and lipids, our body needs substances such as minerals, vitamins and
water as accessory food factors.

Of the minerals certain elements are found in greater concentration. They
are sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine.
Certain other minerals are required in slightly lower concentration for performing
useful functions. These include, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, manganese, iodine and
fluorine(trace elements).

Of these minerals, larger portion of certain minerals are
concerned with body building activities such as formation of bones and teeth
(Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus). Trace elements and other minerals are
useful in physiological activities such as oxygen transport (Iron), hormone
synthesis (Iodine) and intermediary metabolism (Manganese, Copper, Zinc).

Some of the elements remain as constituents of the body fluids (Chlorine,
Sodium and Potassium). Presence of certain minerals is essential for

neuro-muscular irritability (Magnesium, Sodium and Potassium), blood clotting
(Calcium), cardiac functions (Potassium and Calcium).

Water

Water is a major costituent in the body of all mammals. The
proportion of water in the lean body mass (mass of the body – fat content) is
constant at around 71 to 78 % in animals including human beings.
The total body water content varies with age, sex and body weight.
In a new born child it is 85 to 90 % of body weight. In young adults it ranges
from 55 – 60 %.
Of the total body water, about 2/3 is found as intra-cellular fluid (ICF)
and 1/3 as extra-cellular fluid (ECF). About 25% of ECF is the plasma of
blood.
The body water content is kept constant by maintaining a proper
balance between water intake and loss. Intake of water happens through
drinking of water and beverages, water in the food consumed and water
generated during metabolism. The average water intake is around 2500 ml/
day (as water 1400 ml).
Water loss happens through four routes. They are
1. Urine (about 1400ml),2. Expiration (400ml), 3. Through skin
(600ml), 4. Loss in faeces (100ml)

Role of water

1. It is an essential constituent of all the cells of the body.
2. It serves as a transport medium for nutrients and excretory products.
3. It serves as a site for chemical reactions.
4. It is a valuable solvent for electrolytes, enzymes, hormones and
vitamins.
5. It plays a vital role in the maintenance of body temperature.
6. It helps to maintain form and texture of tissues.

Minerals

Water

Role of water

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