WHAT CAN MINERALS DO FOR YOU?
IRON
Functions: vital for a healthy immune system • part of the hemoglobin molecule that binds oxygen in the red blood cells. Deficiency signs and symptoms: weakness and fatigue. Iron’s enemies: lack of stomach acid • extreme diets in which only or mostly green vegetables are eaten • intestinal diseases which speed transit of food through intestines • poor absorption of dietary fat (leading to excess fat in intestine interfering with iron absorption).
MAGNESIUM
Functions: vital for a healthy immune system • involved with energy formation and transfer, carbohydrate metabolism, manufacture of protein, proper nutrition of the heart and neuromuscular transmission.
Deficiency signs and symptoms: personality changes • fatigue
• muscle weakness • heart irregularities • muscle spasms. Magnesium’s enemies: prolonged fasting • persistent vomiting
• chronic diarrhea • surgery • severe burns • alcohol • high-protein diets.
MANGANESE
Functions: vital for a healthy immune system • important for formation of the main thyroid hormone • necessary for proper utilization of vitamins C, Bj and biotin, and for production of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter.
Deficiency signs and symptoms: a deficiency in animals results in sterility in both sexes, skeletal abnormalities. Manganese’s enemies: refining of foods.
PHOSPHORUS
Functions: necessary for good bone and teeth structure and a healthy nervous system • helps stimulate muscle contractions
• plays a role in extracting energy from food. Deficiency signs-and symptoms: loss of appetite • nausea • fatigue • weakness • vague and persistent bone pains. Phosphorus’s enemies: excessive injestion of antacids.
*169\80\8*
