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Mineral deficiency symptoms, consequences, home remedies and treatment
contents
- iron deficiency
- anemia
- Menstruation and pregnancy
- breast milk
- zinc deficiency
- magnesium
- Migraine and muscle weakness
- Inadequate nutrition
- copper
- The red blood cells
- Thrombosis and bone defects
- potassium
- Acne and flatulence
- Caution, risk of death
- causes
- phosphorus
- osteoporosis
- Iodine deficiency
- Problems with the thyroid gland
- A global problem
- selenium deficiency
- Oxygen, carbon and clay
- Swiss study
- Selenium loss of nine percent
- Kashin-Beck disease
- Weary sperm
- sodium
- Water in the cells
- manganese
- General malnutrition
- Can not and do not want
- How expresses a lack of manganese?
- treatment
- Boron
- Kidney stones
iron deficiency
Iron plays a vital role in health, because without the vital trace element, many bodily functions would work poorly. Iron deficiency is either due to the fact that we can not absorb enough iron, can not process existing substances or that we lose blood. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body.
Green leafy vegetables as is a good iron supplier. (Image: lecic/fotolia.com)
There are two types of minerals that play a role in the human body: iron from animal sources and iron of plant origin. The former can be absorbed more easily by the blood. Iron-rich foods include beef, liver, oysters and dark leafy vegetables like broccoli.
anemia
Anemia due to iron deficiency occurs when we introduce too little iron with the food. Typical symptoms include extreme fatigue and chronic fatigue. This is because the body can not transport oxygen into the cells without iron, and without the oxygen, the energy is lacking.
In addition, a lack of this mineral in affected persons leads to an increased susceptibility to infection. When the red blood cells lack iron, facial blemishes appear - the skin appears pale. The affected people are bloodless, which is why the symptoms are mistakenly misinterpreted as "vampire disease": However, those affected are not lacking in blood but in iron and oxygen in their blood.
Even the so-called restless legs syndrome ("restless legs syndrome") occurs. Those affected feel a tingling sensation in their legs, which prevents them from sleeping. Iron deficiency is not a harmless affair. Without it, he can lead to death.
Menstruation and pregnancy
In women of childbearing age, the main reason for iron deficiency is blood and iron loss due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy. Internal diseases that prevent iron absorption can also cause undersupply. Doctors usually treat this deficit successfully with iron supplements or create a nutritional plan.
breast milk
In children, iron deficiency is typical for periods of malnutrition and a great need for iron during growth stages. Breast milk and cow's milk contain small doses of mineral, but this can be perfectly processed by the body in breast milk: infants absorb about half of the iron contained in the breast milk, but only 10% of that in the cow's milk.
zinc deficiency
Zinc needs the body in multiple forms. The trace element is found mainly in high-protein foods of animal origin: beef, pork and lamb provide more zinc than fish, beef contains the highest levels and also a lot of vitamin B12 and iron. Vegetarians and vegans can resort to nuts, whole grains, cereal flakes and lentils. Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, are not a good source.
Vegetarians can meet their needs for zinc well over nuts, whole grain cereals, legumes and seeds. (Image: ratmaner / fotolia.com) The essential trace element is important for the absorption of nutrients, the hormone balance, wound healing, healthy skin and hair growth, a functioning immune system, the functions of the eyes and especially cell division.
Zinc is of particular importance for fertility, during pregnancy and during lactation - pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies are at greatest risk of ingesting too little of the mineral.
magnesium
Magnesium is the eighth most abundant mineral on the planet, and the third most abundant in seawater. It is also the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and necessary for over 300 body functions.
It is essential for the biochemical reactions in the organism. These include the muscles and nerves and a healthy immune system. Magnesium deficiency can cause problems such as disturbed nerve impulses, muscle contractions and muscle spasms.
Migraine and muscle weakness
Early signs of magnesium deficiency include physical and mental fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, headache. The danger is a long-term deficiency: this can lead to feelings of numbness in the arms and legs, to muscle spasms and heart rhythm disturbances. In addition, a deficiency of magnesium is considered a trigger for migraine.
Fatigue and headaches may indicate magnesium deficiency. (Image: deagreez / fotolia.com) A deficiency in the mineral can disrupt metabolism, potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Higher levels of magnesium in the blood, according to studies, lead to a lower risk of heart disease.
Inadequate nutrition
Magnesium deficiency is generally due to insufficient nutrition. Nuts, green vegetables, seeds and whole grains contain good amounts of the mineral. However, vegetables can only store as much as the soil contains. Mineral water with a high magnesium content also helps to ensure sufficient supply of the substance.
Peeled white rice or white flour barely contain magnesium. Caffeine even ensures that the vital substance is removed from the body. Alcohol blocks the absorption of minerals, and chronic alcoholism can even lead to a general lack of minerals. Also intestinal diseases lead to the fact that the body can no longer store the magnesium.
copper
Copper is important for the bones and the nerves. Copper deficiency can therefore affect the body in many ways.
Even before birth, fetuses receive large amounts of copper through their mother's blood to store it in the liver. Thus, nature provides for the growth of the tissue, especially the red blood cells, the connective tissue, the brain and nerve tissue, before the baby can absorb the mineral itself through the diet.
The red blood cells
People with copper deficiency suffer from a poor function of red blood cells and a short life of red blood cells. The consequences are low energy levels, weakness and insufficient intake of oxygen.
Thrombosis and bone defects
In the case of copper deficiency, the collagens can form poorly, and the health of the tissue suffers. Injuries heal slower. Thrombosis, bone defects, an increase in cholesterol are other possible consequences, as well as an irregular heartbeat.
potassium
Potassium is mainly present in the cells, more precisely in the spaces between the cells. In the rest of the body is little of the mineral. Potassium and sodium control the water balance of the body.
Potassium is essential to transmit impulses in the nerve and muscle cells, the mineral has a very special meaning, because this also applies to the cells of the heart muscle. Without potassium this can not work.
We still need the mineral to build up protein and activate different enzymes. Converting carbohydrates into energy is also impossible without potassium.
Acne can be compounded by a lack of potassium. (Image: vladimirfloyd / fotolia.com) Acne and flatulence
If the potassium level in the body is below 3.2 mmol / l, there is a potassium deficiency. He shows himself by exhaustion, concentration problems, nervousness and loss of appetite. Add to that a sluggish bowel, flatulence and constipation. Headaches such as dizziness and tired muscles are typical symptoms.
Wounds heal badly, the skin dries up, acne spreads, and sufferers have urinary symptoms. Potassium is necessary for stable blood pressure, and blood pressure directly affects the heartbeat.
Caution, risk of death
If we have less than 2.5 mmol / l of potassium in the organism, this is not only unpleasant, but can lead to death. Then the transmitters between nerve and muscle cells are out of force, and the whole system collapses. The heart rhythm is irregular or too fast, edema forms in the tissue. If you are already suffering from heart disease, this can mean the end.
The muscle weakness increases to paralysis, you lose consciousness and fall into a coma.
causes
Inadequate nutrition can cause potassium deficiency: If you ingest too much salt and at the same time too little potassium-containing foods, then this can lead to a shortage.
Another cause is illness. Excessive vomiting and severe diarrhea can cause the body to lose potassium. Hyperthyroidism also blocks potassium intake. When the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, there is a mismatch between the individual minerals in the body, including potassium.
Likewise, diuretics (water tablets) and laxatives are to be mentioned as possible triggers.
Hyperthyroidism can lead to potassium deficiency. (Image: nerthuz / fotolia.com) phosphorus
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body. If there is a deficiency, it manifests itself in weak bones and brittle teeth, general weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, joint pain, confusion, and high susceptibility to infection. Almost every part of the body can be affected because phosphorus is found in virtually every cell in the body.
Such a deficiency can eventually lead to serious diseases: osteoporosis, arthritis, rotten teeth and periodontal disease.
Muscle weakness, muscle loss and muscle damage, as well as neurological damage are associated with prolonged phosphorus deficiency.
osteoporosis
Phosphorus deficiency can also cause calcium to be lost in the bones. Bones become porous - osteoporosis is the name of the disease. The bones lose their mass and break.
A deficit of phosphorus can be observed in liver failure, as well as liver cell transplants and kidney transplants. Sometimes it is caused by hyperthyroidism or medications such as antacids.
Adults should consume between 700 and 1250 milligrams of phosphorus per day, depending on their age, and children between 500 and 1250 milligrams. A deficiency can be compensated by preparations, but also by foods that contain a lot of phosphorus. Among these are dairy products, wheat bran and walnuts.
Iodine deficiency
A lack of iodine can have serious consequences. These include in neonates mental damage, hearing loss and stunting, an innate goiter, miscarriage and stillbirths. In children, it damages the development of the brain and the growth of the body, hearing defects often occur.
In young people, a young goiter may be the result, the risk increases, atherosclerosis get, the structure of the thyroid can change. Learning problems and reduced memory are among the typical phenomena.
Problems with the thyroid gland
An iodine deficiency in adults can lead to an imbalance in the thyroid, either to a hypothyroidism - or an overfunction.
If the iodine deficiency causes a thyroid dysfunction, an uncomfortable feeling of tightness in the throat can occur. (Image: mapoli-photo / fotolia.com) If the thyroid glands suffer as a result of iodine deficiency, this is due to the feeling of having a "frog in the throat", the affected persons feel pressure and tightness in the throat, breathing is difficult and there are problems with swallowing. The neck circumference increases significantly, which is colloquially referred to as "thick neck".
Patients suffer from sleep disorders, can not concentrate and are permanently tired. They have digestive problems, their skin changes, becomes dry or wet, and their hair falls out.
A global problem
Iodine deficiency is one of the most common health problems worldwide. About 2 billion people are exposed to him. In Europe alone, more than 390 million citizens suffer from the consequences.
Although Germany is not an explicit iodine deficiency area, many people in this country too little care for iodine. Nearly a third of people have an enlarged thyroid here.
While this does not threaten their lives, hormonal imbalances go along with it. The cost of therapies and diagnoses of iodine deficiency in Germany amount to about one billion euros per year.
selenium deficiency
Selenium is a trace element we feed on. Plants get it from the earth. It strengthens our immune system and helps build proteins. However, the amount of selenium in the soil is sinking, and that is due to climate change.
Without selenium, the activity of our heart suffers, heart failure and heart attacks are a possible consequence.
Oxygen, carbon and clay
How much selenium is formed depends, among other things, on the oxygen content, carbon and clay in the soil, and also on the pH value. Northern European countries such as Denmark, Finland, Scotland and Germany are low in selenium.
Swiss study
Swiss researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute for Water, Wastewater Treatment and Water Protection now studied the global amount of selenium from 33,241 soil samples taken between 1994 and 2016.
They came to the conclusion that the relationship between climate and soil is crucial for the concentration of selenium. Above all, precipitation and evaporation are essential. A lot of rain washes away the soil and thus the selenium.
Nevertheless, the equation is not rainy, but selenium is not, because rain-soaked soil contains less oxygen and a lower pH, and so selenium remains bound to the soil.
Selenium loss of nine percent
In about 66% of all agricultural land by the end of this century, the amount of selenium will fall by nine percent. Most severely affected are Europe, South Africa, the West of the USA and the South of South America. Already today, according to the study, one billion people are affected by selenium deficiency.
To date, however, is not clear what a shortage of the mineral effect exactly. There is no verifiable information about how much selenium a person should consume.
Generally recognized is selenium deficiency as a cause for diseases of bones, cartilage and joints. The muscles also decrease, muscle weakness follows.
Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, legumes and chicken. (Image: bit24 / fotolia.com) Kashin-Beck disease
In Kashin-Beck disease, which features deformed joints on the arms and legs, scientists discuss selenium deficiency as a potential cause. Likewise, an infection with the coxsackie virus or a genetic disposition come into question.
Some evidence suggests that selenium deficiency indirectly provokes various diseases of the muscles and nerves. It does not directly cause damage, but the deficiency makes the brain more sensitive to neurotoxins.
Weary sperm
Selenium deficiency probably also reduces sperm motility, because the enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 is dependent on the trace element and in turn ensures the quality of the sperm.
An undersupply could also affect the immune system and also presumably promotes necrosis of the liver. Conversely, the supply of selenium can prevent the death of liver cells.
Selenium strengthens the blood cells from oxidative stress, and conversely, selenium deficiency promotes anemia.
sodium
Sodium is salt, and a low sodium level in the blood is called medically hyponatremia. The substance is found mainly in body fluids outside the cells.
The salt is very important to stabilize the blood pressure. In addition, nerves, muscles and other body tissues need sodium to function.
Water in the cells
Without enough sodium in the body fluids, water flows into the cells to balance the level. In turn, the cells fill up too much with water, and especially the brain cells are sensitive to such swelling. Complaints are the result.
Dietary sodium deficiency is associated with blood pressure problems, heart attacks, kidney problems, and hypothalamic disorders. All of them are serious damage to the organism. Symptoms of a deficiency supply include diarrhea, excessive sweating and vomiting.
Enemas and medications that work against high blood pressure can lead to a lack of sodium. The same applies to blood loss - so wounded not only water intake, but also a saline solution is important.
Other possible causes include kidney disease, heart failure, liver cirrhosis and the effects of chemo in cancer.
Competitive athletes, especially marathon runners, may be deficient in sodium if the fluids and electrolytes they lose during exercise are not adequately replaced.
manganese
Manganese is also a trace element. If we do not get enough of it with food, then there is a shortage. This is relatively rare, compared for example with an iodine deficiency.
The cause of insufficient supply of manganese is usually a general malnutrition, or an organic problem, to process the mineral from the food. Likewise, certain substances in food can displace manganese when ingested by the body.
General malnutrition
Since manganese deficiency is usually due to general malnutrition and malnutrition, industrialized countries are particularly affected by people who suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (anorexia nervosa), alcoholism or substance abuse.
Even homeless, Hartz IV recipients, impoverished pensioners or people in nursing homes are at risk. In nursing homes, however, there is hardly any lack of opportunities to feed themselves in Germany, but the reluctance or inability of those affected to eat.
Smoking increases the risk of a manganese deficiency. (Image: BillionPhotos.com/fotolia.com) Can not and do not want
For example, people who have been through chemotherapy, suffer from severe pain, take certain medications or suffer from specific illnesses, often eat too little or too little nutritious food.
Diseases such as phenylketonuria, in turn, mean that patients can not get enough manganese from their diet.
Circumstances that promote deficiency include: youth growth, smoking, protein metabolism disorders.
How expresses a lack of manganese?
A deficiency in the trace element leads to loss of appetite and weight loss, it can be associated with decreased fertility, delay the growth or damage.
Deformation of the skeleton and reduced bone density are symptoms as well as increased fractures.
Affected persons are susceptible to infections, their blood can clot worse, they often suffer from diseases of the nervous system such as convulsions.
Whether manganese deficiency is the cause of forms of schizophrenia, can not be adequately substantiated, but there are indications.
treatment
If an inadequate care has been medically diagnosed, manganese tablets and a diet change will help to make up for the trace element.
However, if the cause is gastrointestinal disease or the said phenylketonuria, then these diseases must be treated, for example with medication. Those affected should drink enough manganese daily and permanently.
Early symptoms include nervousness, irritation and constant fatigue.
Sprouts contain a lot of manganese. (Image: TwilightArtPictures / fotolia.com) Boron
Deficiency of boron could affect bone formation, especially the structure and strength of the bones. An undersupply of the trace element, also known as "boron", has an effect on the calcium and magnesium balance. This reduces the body's ability to absorb these minerals.
People who suffer from boron deficiency are more likely to excrete calcium with their urine, which is then no longer available to the body.
Kidney stones
Boron deficiency may also cause kidney stones to form as a result of high magnesium and calcium levels in the blood.
Boron deficiency is also likely to cause damage in cognitive development and problems in learning and storing information, because boron is considered a "brain nutrient", a substance that supports attention and even short-term memory.
The mineral plays an essential role in integrating calcium into the joints, thus preventing arthritis. People with a boron deficit are more likely to suffer from arthritis. (Somayeh Khaleseh Ranjbar, translated by Dr. Utz Anhalt)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)