Free Essay Sample: Importance of Zinc, Iron, and Calcium in the Body

Introduction

Human cells rely on minerals for proper function and structure. Mineral elements refer to the essential components of inorganic compounds that are vital for many regulatory activities in the body. The primary roles of minerals include sustaining a healthy cardiovascular system, maintaining healthy nerve response to stimulation, and regulating muscle tone (Pravina et al., 2013). These elements are also critical for the proper composition of muscles, body fluids, and bone. A deficiency in the minerals could have adverse effects on the body’s functionality, which manifest through various conditions. An evaluation of the functions of zinc, iron, and calcium, and likely impacts when lacking is critical to understanding the essence of mineral elements.

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Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is found in animal proteins, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. Zinc plays a critical role in regulating immune function. It activates T lymphocytes, which help to attack cancerous or infected cells besides controlling immune responses (Roohani et al., 2013). Another crucial function is regulating communication between neurons, which consequently affects the formation of memories and the learning process. Zinc also decreases inflammation by reducing the levels of specific inflammatory proteins in the body hence lowering oxidative stress. If such aspects maintain high standards, they could cause chronic illnesses, such as mental decline and cardiovascular diseases (Roohani et al., 2013). Additionally, zinc reduces the risk of some age-related ailments. It prevents age-related macular degeneration and vision loss as it deters cellular damage in the retina. This mineral, therefore, presents several health benefits.

Since zinc plays multiple biochemical functions in cells, its deficit could result in a wide range of conditions that vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. It could lead to the impairment of physical growth and development, particularly during phases of rapid growth; for instance, infancy, puberty, and pregnancy, where zinc requirements peak. Zinc deficiency increases the risk of various infections, including pneumonia and diarrhea (Roohani et al., 2013). Such illnesses could be a sign of a weak immune system that zinc could strengthen. Moreover, the deficit in the mineral could accelerate the degenerative changes linked to aging. It may result in a decline in immune competence, some adverse neurological differences, and delays in wound healing (Roohani et al., 2013). Generally, manifestations of zinc deficiency vary depending on age and severity of lacking.

Iron

Iron is a critical element in blood production. Some of the foods rich in iron include meat and poultry, seafood, and vegetables. This mineral contributes to the ideal creation of red blood cells and hemoglobin hence helping in the transportation of oxygen to various body tissues to support essential life functions. Iron is also critical for mitosis, a crucial part of the cell cycle (Abbaspour et al., 2014). It enables the division of cells to create identical ones with the same number of chromosomes. The mineral supports the normal function of the immune system since it is necessary for the maturation and proliferation of immune cells (Abbaspour et al., 2014). Additionally, iron is vital for several cognitive functions, including concentration, learning, and problem-solving. An individual’s brain will optimally perform when it has adequate iron. The mineral, therefore, plays an essential role in supporting proper functioning and promoting health.

Iron deficiency could lead to some functionality changes and may manifest in various ways. It leads to reduced learning ability and increases susceptibility to infections. If the deficit is experienced during pregnancy, it could have adverse effects on the mother and the infant. Some likely effects include an increased risk of perinatal mortality, sepsis, and low birth weight (Abbaspour et al., 2014). Iron deficiency could lead to cardiovascular problems as the heart is overworked in pumping blood to compensate for the oxygen deficits. Furthermore, it could cause several functional impairments in areas such as immunity mechanisms, work capacity, and cognitive development (Abbaspour et al., 2014). Overall, mild deficiency may go unnoticed, but high deficit levels lead to more severe symptoms.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral found in many foods, including fish, most grains, vegetables, and milk products. Calcium is critical for the growth, development, and maintenance of healthy bones. Its intake supports bone intensity hence contributing to overall bone health (Pravina et al., 2013). The mineral is also vital in regulating muscle contraction as it helps muscle proteins to contract and relax. Another essential role of calcium is in the cardiovascular system since it is one of the primary elements needed in blood clotting (Pravina et al., 2013). Besides, it maintains the tone of contractility of heart muscles to enable blood supply to other organs. Calcium also maintains the integrity of skeletal muscles by regulating how they contract and relax. Overall, calcium is particularly critical during particular phases of growth, such as during pregnancy, childhood, and when breastfeeding.

Calcium deficiency can lead to vast conditions. It may lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by bone deterioration hence increasing the likelihood of fractures (Pravina et al., 2013). The deficit may lead to seizures in seemingly healthy people due to impairments in neurotransmission and muscle contractions. Hypocalcemia could also cause muscle cramping due to nervous attritions, which mostly occur at night in the legs (Pravina et al., 2013). Moreover, it could lead to dry skin and brittle nails besides turning one’s teeth yellowish. Generally, calcium deficiency symptoms are more pronounced in the muscles and bones and are more severe, with increased insufficiency levels.

References

Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., & Kelishadi, R. (2014). Review on iron and its importance for human health. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19(2), 164. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999603/

Pravina, P., Sayaji, D., & Avinash, M. (2013). Calcium and its role in the human body. Int. J. Res. Pharm. Biomed. Sci, 4(2), 659-668. https://www.academia.edu/5820121/Calcium_and_its_Role_in_Human_Body

Roohani, N., Hurrell, R., Kelishadi, R., & Schulin, R. (2013). Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review. Journal of research in Medical Sciences: The Official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 18(2), 144. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3724376/