Definition

Minerals are essential nutrients that are required by the body for its efficient functioning and optimal health. Mineral deficiency is when the body fails to obtain or absorb the necessary minerals. The body needs varying quantities of each type of mineral to preserve its overall physical well-being.

Required minerals are regulated in recommended daily allowances (RDA). The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the typical quantity required to fulfill the requirements of around 97% of healthy individuals. Mineral supplements and mineral-fortified foods are familiar sources of minerals for the body.

Mineral deficiency develops gradually. It can be attributed to a variety of factors. It can induce various health complications, such as fatigue, compromised immune function, and brittle bones. The five primary categories of mineral deficiencies are:

Calcium

• Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Also, calcium helps function blood vessels, muscles, and hormones
• Natural sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, cheese, small fish with bones, nuts, seeds, broccoli, and cabbage. Foods fortified with minerals include cereals and juices

Iron

• Iron has an important role in hemoglobin, a protein that functions to carry oxygen to body tissues. Almost half of the iron in the body is found in red blood cells
• Natural sources of iron are meat, chicken, fish, nuts, and seeds

Read more: Iron - How To Work, Contraindication And Drug Interaction

Magnesium

• Magnesium is essential for physiological processes, including regulating blood sugar and blood pressure. Magnesium supports energy metabolism, protein synthesis, muscle, neuron, and brain function. Approximately 60% of the body's magnesium is stored in bones, with the remaining 40% retained in muscles and cell tissue
• Whole grains, nuts, and green vegetables like spinach are natural sources of magnesium

Potassium

• Potassium is a mineral that functions as an electrolyte. Potassium is necessary for muscle contraction, heart function, and nerve signal transmission. Potassium is also needed for several enzymes, including the body's converting carbohydrates into energy
• Natural sources of potassium are found in vegetables and fruits such as bananas, avocados, dark-leaf vegetables, beets, potatoes, and oranges

Zinc

• Zinc is important in various body metabolisms, such as protein synthesis, the body's immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc is also necessary for growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adulthood
• Natural sources of zinc are found in oysters, red meat, chicken, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dairy products

Causes

The primary cause of mineral deficiencies is inadequate dietary or supplement intake of vital minerals. Specific diets may also lead to mineral deficiencies. One potential contributing factor is an unbalanced consumption of fruits and vegetables in favor of unhealthy and junk food options. A low-calorie diet may also result in deficiencies in essential minerals.

Risk Factor

The risk of mineral deficiency increases under certain conditions, such as:

• Dietary habit

The types of foods have an impact on mineral deficiency. Mineral deficiencies may happen if you do not consume adequate fruits and vegetables. Mineral deficiencies commonly happen to people who are vegetarian, vegan or have specific food issues or lactose intolerance.

• Certain health conditions

Pregnant women, as well as those suffering from heavy menstruation and postmenopause, may experience mineral deficits during specific periods, necessitating the intake of additional minerals.

• Aging

Malnutrition may occur in elderly individuals with diminished appetite, leading to inadequate caloric and nutritional intake.

• Medical disorders

Mineral deficiencies may result from malnutrition or impaired nutrient absorption. Disorders of the liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, or kidneys; gastrointestinal surgery; chronic alcohol use; and specific medications, including antacids, antibiotics, laxatives, and diuretics, are also potential risks of mineral deficiency.

Symptoms

Manifestations of mineral insufficiency may include:

• Constipation (difficulty or infrequent bowel movements)
• Abdominal distension or abdominal discomfort
• Immunodeficiency
• Gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by frequent and loose bowel movements.
• Arrhythmia
• Anorexia
• Skeletal and muscle spasms
• Emesis and emetic sensation
• Severe sensory loss or tingling sensation
• Lack of focus
• Impaired cognitive and interpersonal growth in children
• Fatigue or lethargy

You may experience one or more of these symptoms, and the intensity may vary. Specific symptoms may even go undetected or undiagnosed.

Read more: Convoluted Sem (Constipation) - Definition, Cause, Symptom, And Treatment

Diagnosis

The doctor will perform anamnesis, a physical examination, and any additional examinations to confirm a mineral deficiency diagnosis.

Anamnesis

The doctor will inquire about the following:

• Currently experienced symptoms
• Medical history from the past
• A history of disease in the family
• Dietary routines

Physical examination

The doctor will evaluate the blood pressure, respiration rate, pulse, and body temperature. A comprehensive physical examination includes all body areas from the head to the toes.

Additional examinations

Your doctor may recommend additional examinations, such as:

• Regular blood tests or a complete blood count
• Analysis of blood electrolytes

Management

The severity of the deficiency determines treatment for mineral deficiencies. The doctor will recommend several therapies, such as:

Dietary Modification

Modifying the diet can be beneficial for mild and moderate mineral deficits. It is recommended that patients with anemia increase their consumption of iron-rich foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and iron-fortified cereals. If your mineral insufficiency is significant, you might be referred to a nutritionist for further treatment. Your nutritionist will recommend a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The nutritionist will also keep track of the meals you eat and how they affect your progress.

Supplementation

Certain mineral deficiencies cannot be treated only through dietary means, necessitating supplementary multivitamins or mineral supplements. The doctor will prescribe single or combination supplements that enhance the body's absorption of essential minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate dosage and frequency of supplementation as required. It is crucial to adhere to the doctor's advice since excessive consumption may lead to some risks.

Emergency Treatment

You must be hospitalised if you are suffering from a severe deficiency. It is possible to administer certain minerals and nutrients intravenously. The duration of this treatment may extend for many days. Specific therapies may cause adverse effects, such as fever or chills, swelling of the hands or feet, or changes in the heart's pace. The doctor will suggest further blood tests to determine if the treatment worked.

Read more: Vitamin D - How To Work, Contraindication And Drug Interaction

Complications

Mineral deficiency complications might manifest over time. Particular difficulties are specific to each mineral deficiency, including:

• Calcium deficiency has the potential to progress osteopenia, which is characterized by bone loss before osteoporosis, and elevate the risk of bone fractures, particularly among geriatric patients
• Iron deficiency may result in anemia, characterized by fatigue and weakness. It may also result in delayed social and cognitive development in children
• Potassium deficiency can result in muscle stiffness or paralysis, as well as abnormal cardiac rhythm, potentially leading to fatality in severe cases
• Zinc deficiency has the potential to impair growth and impact the immune system

If you want to know more about osteoporosis, you can read it here: Osteoporosis - Definition, Cause, Symptom, And Treatment

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent mineral deficiency is to ensure the adequate intake of vital minerals through a combination of dietary sources and supplements. The RDA recommendations help ensure that the necessary amounts of minerals are met. Multivitamins commonly provide the recommended daily intake of certain minerals. 

Consuming excessive amounts of minerals is not recommended. Excess minerals in the body can lead to several complications.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience the following mineral deficiency symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Promptly proceed to the hospital if you develop severe symptoms. Seek medical advice if you receive a diagnosis of a mineral deficiency.

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