Minerals and vitamins essays

Minerals and vitamins essays There are two different minerals and two different vitamins that tend to be inadequate in my diet and therefore are associated with and are risks to my BMI. One mineral that tends to be a risk to my BMI since I dont have enough of it is, Calcium. Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. About 99% of the calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth, while the other 1% is found in the blood and soft tissue. Calcium levels in the blood and fluid surrounding the cells (extracellular fluid) must be maintained within a very narrow concentration range for normal physiological functioning. The physiological functions of calcium are so vital to survival that the body will demineralize bone to maintain normal blood calcium levels when calcium intake is inadequate. Thus, adequate dietary calcium is a critical factor in maintaining a healthy skeleton. Calcium is a major structural element in bones and teeth. Calcium concentrations in the blood and fluid that surrounds cells are tightly controlled in order to preserve normal physiological functioning. A low blood calcium level usually implies abnormal parathyroid function, and is rar ely due to low dietary calcium intake since the skeleton provides a large reserve of calcium for maintaining normal blood levels. Other causes of abnormally low blood calcium levels include chronic kidney failure, vitamin D deficiency, and low blood magnesium levels that occur mainly in cases of severe alcoholism. A chronically low calcium intake in growing individuals may prevent the attainment of optimal peak bone mass. Once peak bone mass is achieved, inadequate calcium intake may contribute to accelerated bone loss and ultimately the development of osteoporosis. A male individual my age which is, 18 years old, should have an adequate consumption for calcium of 1,300 mg/day. It was discovered that increased calcium intake was more strongly associated with decreased colorectal cancer risk in t...