Causes of Mineral Deficiency
The primary cause of mineral deficiency is a dietary dilemma arising from changes in human lifestyle. Over the past 30 years, daily energy expenditure has decreased by approximately 1,000 kcal amid a reduction in physical labor. Modern energy intake standards are about 2,500 kcal/day for men and 1,800–2,000 kcal/day for women.
To obtain all necessary vitamins and trace elements from ordinary food, one would need to consume a huge volume of products. This inevitably leads to overweight (which is already recorded in 55% of adults over 30). With the current low caloric intake of the diet, it is impossible to compose a menu that fully covers the body's micronutrient needs.
The situation is further aggravated by common pathologies of the digestive system accompanied by maldigestion and malabsorption syndromes.
Clinical Consequences of Deficiency
According to the Institute of Nutrition, micronutrient deficiency is widespread and affects all segments of the population.
Main deficiency states:
- Selenium: deficiency is detected in 85–100% of the population. This element is a key component of the antioxidant system, protecting cells and DNA from damage by reactive oxygen species.
- Iron: deficiency leads to the development of iron-deficiency anemia (found in one-fifth of young children).
- Zinc: deficiency directly impacts the immune system, reducing the body's resistance.
- Iodine, fluorine, and other trace elements: widespread population deficiency is registered.
Minerals in Traditional Foods
Traditional foods vary in their ability to supply the body with minerals:
Bakery products Mineral salts (calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium) are concentrated predominantly in the cereal seed coats (bran). However, bread is a poor source of calcium. For adequate absorption of this macroelement, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) should be 1:2. In bread, however, there is a sharp skew towards phosphorus—ranging from 1:6 to 1:8. Such an excess leads not only to unabsorbed calcium salts but also to their active excretion from the body in the form of non-hydrolyzable compounds.
Meat and visceral organs Meat is a valuable source of minerals, primarily easily absorbable iron and phosphorus. Muscle tissue also contains important trace elements such as copper and zinc. Meanwhile, the main depot of minerals and vitamins is located in the animal's internal organs (liver, kidneys).
Solutions to the Problem
To overcome nutrient deficiency and expand human adaptive capabilities, two main methods are used:
- Creation of products with a specified chemical composition. Harmful components (e.g., cholesterol) are removed from familiar foods, and deficient nutrients are added. This is a complex, knowledge-intensive process: if a substance is added incorrectly, it may be utilized by the intestinal microflora rather than the human body (as happens with the simple addition of lysine to flour).
- Use of dietary supplements (nutraceuticals). Minerals (Fe, Ca, Se, Zn, I, F) belong to the class of nutraceuticals. They are used for targeted metabolism modification, correcting deficiencies, and personalizing nutrition strictly within physiological boundaries.
In the 21st century, an optimal human diet should be built from three components: traditional foods, modified foods, and dietary supplements.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What are the clinical manifestations and symptoms of zinc deficiency in the body?
A clinical manifestation of zinc deficiency is impaired immune function. Zinc deficiency in expectant mothers can lead to congenital malformations. Zinc is an essential trace element, and its deficiency is widespread among the population.
Which forms of iron (heme or non-heme) have the highest bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract?
Heme iron has the highest bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, being absorbed significantly better than non-heme iron. Meat is the most effective source of this form of the trace element.
| Iron form | Sources | Bioavailability |
|---|---|---|
| Heme | Meat | High (about 20% absorbed) |
| Non-heme | Plant-based foods (cereals, vegetables, fruits), liver, fish | Low (only about 5% absorbed) |
Which cellular antioxidant defense enzymes include selenium?
Cellular antioxidant defense enzymes include the selenium-dependent enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
- Glutathione peroxidase is an antioxidant enzyme that catalyzes the elimination of hydrogen peroxide using reduced glutathione.
Additionally, selenium is an essential component for the function of the body's entire antioxidant system, which serves as a powerful defense against aggressive oxygen species.
What is the mechanism of calcium absorption in the small intestine?
The mechanism of calcium absorption in the small intestine is mediated by the active form of vitamin D3—calcitriol. The process includes the following stages:
- Synthesis of calcitriol — parathyroid hormone stimulates the conversion of vitamin D3 into its active form in the kidneys.
- Protein induction — vitamin D metabolites act on target cells (intestinal mucosal cells) and induce the synthesis of a specific transport calcium-binding protein.
- Ion transport — the synthesized protein ensures the direct absorption of calcium ions from the intestinal lumen into the blood.
What is the complete list of trace elements belonging to the group of essential (indispensable) elements?
The group of essential (vital) trace elements includes a number of d-elements that are part of many enzyme proteins. The complete list of reliably essential trace elements includes:
- Manganese (Mn) — an essential trace element.
- Iron (Fe) — an essential trace element.
- Cobalt (Co) — an essential trace element.
- Copper (Cu) — an essential trace element.
- Zinc (Zn) — an essential trace element.
- Molybdenum (Mo) — an essential trace element.
There is also a group of probably essential trace elements, which includes vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni).
Class and exam questions
Why is it impossible to get all necessary minerals solely from regular food?
Due to the sharp decrease in energy expenditure in modern humans. To reach the daily norm of micronutrients from ordinary foods, one would have to significantly exceed the physiological calorie norm (1800–2500 kcal), which inevitably leads to obesity.
Can calcium deficiency be replenished with bread?
No, calcium is absorbed extremely poorly from bread. It contains too much phosphorus, causing calcium to bind into non-hydrolyzable compounds and be excreted from the body.
What is the difference between nutraceuticals (dietary supplements) and drugs in correcting deficiencies?
Nutraceuticals make up for element deficiencies and regulate body functions strictly within physiological norm boundaries. Medications elicit a response that goes beyond these boundaries.
What else to study on this topic
- The role of reactive oxygen species and mechanisms of antioxidant defense
- Classification and functions of dietary supplements (nutraceuticals and parapharmaceuticals)
- Nutritional and biological value of bakery products
- Meat products: tissue composition and extractive substances
- Effects of synthetic additives with carotenoids on oncogenesis
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