Mineral Deficiencies

The human body requires balanced nutrition, including a wide variety of minerals, in order to function properly. Even though some minerals are only required in small quantities, a deficiency of any one may result in serious symptoms. For this reason, it is important for patients and their doctors to be aware of maintaining a healthy mineral balance through diet and, if necessary, mineral supplementation. Mineral imbalances should never be taken lightly because, left untreated, they can be life-threatening.

Magnesium

Magnesium assists in the absorption and metabolism of many other minerals, ensuring hydration, muscle health (including the heart muscle) and a healthy acid-alkaline balance. In addition, magnesium is needed for bone growth, and helps the body to absorb certain vitamins.

Symptoms of a magnesium deficiency may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Cramps or tremors
  • Muscle weakness and fatigue
  • Depression or irritability

Tissue calcification can also be a symptom of magnesium deficiency. Tissues most prone to this disorder are those of the lungs and the aorta.

Calcium

Calcium, predominantly associated with growth and strength of the bones and teeth, is the most abundant mineral in the body. It plays a role in regulating heartbeat, building muscle, maintaining acid-alkaline balance, and helping neurotransmitters function properly. Calcium even assists in coagulation and hormone creation.

Many of the symptoms of calcium deficiency are well-known, including:

  • Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
  • Brittle nails
  • Muscle or bone pain in the back or neck
  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Tooth loss

Less obvious symptoms of calcium deficiency may include hypertension, anxiety or depression.

Iron

Iron forms hemoglobin, the protein in the blood that carries oxygen to all the cells. In addition, iron helps to produce enzymes that aid in digestion.

Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency and may cause some or all of the following symptoms:

  • Anemia, leading to weakness and fatigue
  • Confusion and impaired memory
  • Dizziness and heart palpitations
  • Decreased immune function

Patients deficient in ice may also experience sore tongues or cravings to eat ice.

Potassium

Potassium, an electrolyte, is found in every cell of the body and is essential in maintaining proper hydration and normal blood pressure. Potassium also assists in metabolism, muscle and nerve function, and transporting oxygen to the brain.

Patients with depleted potassium may experience:

  • Muscle spasms, cramps and weakness
  • Dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations
  • Numbness or paralysis
  • Cognitive impairment

Those with potassium deficiency may also experience digestive problems and fatigue.

Sodium

Sodium partners with potassium to regulate acid-alkaline and water balances of the body. Like potassium, sodium is also found in every cell of the body. While modern diets tend to contain too much sodium, which can lead to hypertension and other medical issues, in some situations the body becomes salt-depleted due to diet, excessive sweating, or diuretic usage.

When patients are deficient in sodium, they may experience:

  • Gas
  • Weight loss
  • Weak muscles or cramps
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Palpitations
  • Headaches

In extreme cases, they may also suffer disorientation or seizures.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body. The body depends on an adequate supply of phosphorus for almost all chemical reactions, including those involved in metabolism, muscle contractions, cellular division, and absorption of B vitamins.

Because the balance of calcium and phosphorus is important, a deficiency of phosphorus can also result in weak bones or teeth. Patients deficient in phosphorus may suffer:

  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Hair loss
  • Numbness

Those who are phosphorous-deficient may also experience anemia and fatigue.

Sulfur

Sulfur is a primary component of many proteins in the body, a part of connective tissue, enzymes, hair, nails and joints. As such, its role in controlling metabolism, particularly of carbohydrates, and in regulating insulin production, is essential.

Those deficient in sulfur may experience:

  • Skin or nail problems
  • Decreased immune function
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Seizures
  • Sore throat

Those whose bodies are deficient in sulfur may also suffer headaches, depression or memory loss.

Iodine

Iodine is necessary to the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. Because of the use of iodized salt, many fewer people suffer from this deficiency than did so in the past. The symptoms of iodine deficiency are serious, however, and include goiter, slower than normal growth, and mental impairment.

Other Mineral Deficiencies

There are many other minerals that, although they are needed in smaller quantities than some of those mentioned, are still essential to healthy functioning and may result in symptoms in patients with deficiencies. These minerals include: selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, germanium, vanadium, molybdenum, lithium and silicon. Mineral deficiencies are usually diagnosed through symptom analysis and blood work.

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