A 2 year old child, Sonya, craves MUD PIES and CAT LITTER even though her parents provide her with a varied and healthy diet. Her parents can’t solve this mystery. CAN YOU??

Minerals Found in nearly all foods Do NOT supply energy Regulate body chemistry and body functions. Can not be produced by our body. Must be EATEN.

MINERALS Part of vitamins Found in enzymes Found in hormones Found in bones Found in muscles There are about 60 different minerals that make up about 4 % of our bodies

Macrominerals Found in relatively large amounts  Calcium  Phosphorus  Sodium  Potassium

Trace Minerals Found in very small amounts  Iron  Zinc  Fluorine  Copper  Iodine

BIO-AVAILABILITY Our bodies vary in their capabilities to absorb & use of available minerals Minerals may be present in foods but, they are NOT Bioavailable unless our body can absorb them Minerals from animal products are absorbed better Mineral content of plant products depends on soil

Calcium 20-40% Function  99%=Helps bones, teeth; blood serum, clotting, muscles, nerves. Prevents  Osteoporosis Toxicity  Kidney disfunction Sources  Milk  Dates  Broccoli  Greens-spinach

Phosphorus 70% Function  BONES (85%)  Cells  Enzymes  DNA  Releases energy Prevents  Osteoporosis Toxicity  Calcification of tissues Sources  Avocados  Raisins  Whole grains  Meat eggs  milk

Potassium 90% Function  95%=Fluid balance (Inside)  Heart and other muscles  Nerves Prevents  Irregularity of heart action Toxicity  Muscular weakness Sources  Oranges  Peaches  Pears  Bananas  Dates  Apples  Avocados  raisins

Sodium 99% Function  Regulates fluids (outside)  Regulate muscles, heart, nerves Prevents  Too much contributes to high blood pressure Toxicity  Hypertension Sources  Table salt  Cured meats  Soy Sauce  Sauces  Processed foods  Packaged foods

Iron 10-20% Function  Blood  Hemoglobin  Carries oxygen to cells Prevents  Iron deficiency anemia Too Much: HEMOCHROMATOSIS TYPES: HEME and NONHEME

Sources: Dark Green leafy vegetables and Red meats

Zinc 10-35% Functions  Growth  Maintenance of body  Affects taste sensation Prevents  Growth failure (dwarfism)  Poor wound healing Sources  Avocados  Raisins  Dairy products  Whole grains  Meats  Poultry  Fish

Flourine Function  Teeth and bones  Works with calcium Prevents  Tooth decay Toxicity  Discoloration of teeth  Nausea, diarrhea Sources  Fluoridated water  Seafood  Eggs  Some toothpastes

Copper Function  Helps form hemoglobin  Makes red blood cells Prevents  Anemia  Bone abnormalities Toxicity  Liver, kidney, and brain damage

Sources  Meat  Egg yolks  Green vegetables  Grains  Shell fish  Organ meats

Iodine Function  Thyroid – regulates growth, development, and metabolic rate Prevents  Goiter  Cretinism: stunt growth Sources  Salt water fish  Iodized table salt