which minerals should we check in the spring?

Mineral deficiencies develop when the body cannot obtain or absorb sufficient amounts of essential elements from food. The elements are:  Iron, Magnesium და Calcium, which may manifest as weakness, muscle cramps, or other symptoms. Testing is needed when symptoms develop or risk factors exist (malnutrition, chronic diseases) in order to identify the deficiency in a timely manner and initiate appropriate treatment.

Minerals are essential elements that are necessary for human life and do not usually form organic compounds (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen are involved in the creation of organic compounds).

Minerals differ from vitamins in that they are not produced in the body and must be obtained in sufficient quantities through food.

Minerals are classified into three main groups:

• BasicMinerals – macroelements (daily requirement at least 100 mg),
• Microelements (daily requirement less than 100 mg),
• Ultramicroelements (Daily requirement 1 microgram or less)

Minerals participate in important physiological processes, such as:

• Maintaining electrolyte and acid-base balance
• Neuromuscular conduction and the implementation of cell excitability
• Activation of enzymes involved in metabolism (as cofactors and other activators)
• Protein synthesis and structural stabilization
• Formation of bone structures and more

The relationship between minerals and vitamins is important: for example, to maintain a strong bone structure, it is important to have adequate amounts of vitamin D, as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, fluorine, chlorine, manganese, copper, and sulfur. A deficiency of even one of them can significantly affect the strength of bone structures.

Minerals also affect intestinal absorption. For example, high iron intake can reduce zinc absorption, while high zinc intake often leads to copper deficiency. A balanced diet means getting all the necessary minerals in the right amounts and ratios.

Functions of minerals

Macrominerals

Magnesium

Regulates over 300 enzymatic reactions — helps with nerve and muscle function, mood, and sleep regulation.
Possible signs of deficiency:
• Muscle cramps or tremors
• Anxiety or irritability
• Insomnia
• Constipation

Calcium

Forms strong bones and teeth; participates in muscle contraction and transmission of nerve impulses.
Signs of deficiency:
• Muscle spasms or numbness
• Brittle nails
• Bone loss

Potassium

Maintains fluid balance and heart rhythm.
Deficiency signs:
• Irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue or cramps

Sodium

Regulates hydration, blood pressure, and nervous activity.
Signs of deficiency:
• Headache
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion

Phosphorus

Participates in bone formation and energy metabolism.
Signs of deficiency:
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue

Chlorine

Regulates fluids and participates in the production of stomach acid.
Signs of deficiency:
• Dehydration
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea

Microelements

Zinc

Functioning of the immune system, skin and hormones.
Signs of deficiency:
• Frequent colds
• Hair loss
• Skin rash

Iron

Participates in the transport of oxygen in the blood
Signs of deficiency:
• Pallor
• Fatigue
• Cold hands/feet

copper

Formation of red blood cells, participation in brain and immune system function
Signs of deficiency:
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weak immunity

Iodine

Production of thyroid hormones and participation in metabolic processes
Signs of deficiency:
• Weight gain
• Intolerance to cold
• Fatigue

Selenium

Powerful antioxidant, thyroid support.
Signs of deficiency:
• Mental fatigue
• Weakness
• Hair thinning

Chrome

Regulates sugar and insulin sensitivity.
Signs of deficiency:
• Craving for sweets
• Blood sugar fluctuations
• Decreased energy

Manganese

Bone tissue formation and antioxidant function.
Signs of deficiency:
• Weak bones
• Joint pain
• Slow healing of wounds

მოლიბდენი

Detoxification of the body and metabolism of amino acids
Signs of deficiency:
• Rare, but can cause neurological problems or sensitivity to sulfites

რაIsMineralsDeficit?

Mineral deficiencies develop when essential nutrients are insufficient over a period of time.

The main source of minerals is food. However, they can also be obtained through dietary supplements and medications.

It is also important to consider that, despite the necessity of minerals, their excess can also be harmful to the body.

MineralsDeficittypes

Both major and micro-mineral deficiencies can develop.

The body needs essential minerals in relatively large quantities.

These are:
• Calcium
• Chlorine
• Magnesium
• Phosphate
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Sulfur and others

Micronutrients – needed in very small amounts.

They include:
• Chrome
• Cobalt
• Copper
• Fluoride
• Iodine
• Iron
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Selenium
• Zinc

MineralsDeficitreasons

Mineral deficiencies are mostly related to several main reasons:

1. Insufficient amounts of minerals in food (this is often due to geographical area, dietary culture, and other factors)
2. Specific eating patterns, such as vegetarianism or veganism
3. Conditions that affect mineral absorption, including genetic diseases or disorders that develop during life
4. Medical procedures that disrupt nutrient absorption (for example, bariatric surgery)
5. Medications and dietary supplements (sometimes they interfere with the absorption of other minerals)
6. Other deficiencies (for example, vitamin D deficiency inhibits calcium absorption)
7. Rapid loss of minerals (for example, during bleeding or dehydration)

Mineral deficiencies are more common in regions with high levels of poverty. Also, devastating events such as wars, famines, and natural disasters increase the risk of developing deficiencies.

Minerals are found in the foods we eat every day. Although most of them are needed by the body in small amounts, low levels can still have a significant impact on health.

Symptoms of mineral deficiency

Symptoms of mineral deficiency depend on several main factors:

• which mineral is deficient?
• How low is his level?
• What is the cause of the shortage?
• What is the patient's general condition?
• Patient's age and other

Symptoms of mineral deficiency include:

• Brittle bones: Deficiencies in calcium, copper, and phosphate can weaken bones and contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
• Blood clotting and healing disorders: Copper, iron, manganese, phosphate, and zinc are involved in blood clotting and wound healing. Iron is also important during pregnancy.
• Fatigue: Low levels of cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, and selenium can be a cause of persistent fatigue.
• Hair changes: A lack of copper or zinc can cause changes in hair color or texture, while a severe zinc deficiency can cause hair loss.
• Hidden hunger: This means you may be hungrier as your body tries to get the minerals it is missing.
• Mood swings: Deficiencies in copper, iodine, and molybdenum can affect mental health — causing anxiety, depression, or irritability.
• Muscle problems: Deficiencies in copper, phosphorus, and selenium can damage muscles or prevent them from functioning normally. Low levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium can cause cramps.
• Nail changes: Zinc deficiency can cause ridges or lines on the nail surface. Iron deficiency can cause “spoon-shaped” nails. Selenium deficiency can cause thick or discolored nails, and magnesium deficiency can cause soft or brittle nails.
• Nervous system effects: Deficiencies in chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and phosphate can disrupt the functioning of the nervous system. Possible results include ataxia, seizures, tingling sensations, and numbness.
• Skin changes: Manganese and zinc deficiencies can cause rashes or other skin changes.
• Concentration and memory problems: Low levels of chromium, copper, iodine, iron, or phosphorus can impair thinking, concentration, and memory.
• Loss of taste and smell: This can occur with zinc deficiency.

MineralsDeficitComplications

Mineral deficiencies can lead to a number of complications, some of which are particularly serious at certain stages of life.

• Anemia
  • Brain swelling
  • Cataract
  • Caries
  • Coma
  • Connective tissue damage
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Hypothyroidism and goiter
  • Infertility
  • Heart rhythm disorders, heart damage, and heart failure
  • Muscle breakdown
  • Nervous system and brain damage
  • Kidney failure
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Weakened immune system

Some of these complications can be life-threatening, especially if the mineral deficiency is severe or persists for a long time.

Complications in childhood

Some mineral deficiencies can cause severe and permanent complications, especially if they develop during pregnancy or childhood. Examples include:
• Brain development disorders, such as developmental delay

• Childhood arthritis
  • Growth retardation
  • Rickets and weak bones/teeth

DiagnosisდაInvestigations

Mineral deficiency is suspected based on the symptoms and complaints that the patient develops.

Mineral deficiency diagnostics are performed:

• Physical and neurological examination
  • Blood and urine tests

ManagementდაTreatment

How are mineral deficiencies treated?
The main approach is to supplement the body with the minerals it needs. This can be done in various ways:
• Change in diet
• Taking nutritional supplements
• Elimination of concomitant diseases or factors causing deficiency

Forecast /whatShouldFExpect to suffer from mineral deficiencies?

The prognosis for mineral deficiencies depends on several factors:
• which mineral is deficient?
• Degree of deficiency
• Duration of the deficit
• Treatment performed
• General health status

It is possibleIfNo.MineralsDeficitAt firstAvoidance?

In many cases, mineral deficiencies can be prevented by simple measures:
• A varied diet — this is one of the best ways to get the minerals you need
•Fortified foods — for example, iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency, or products fortified with iron and calcium
• Regular screening — annual checkups and blood tests often detect deficiencies early, making treatment easier

Even healthy people sometimes suffer from a deficiency of one or another microelement. Regular screening and comprehensive metabolic tests will prevent profound mineral deficiencies and the complications associated with them.

Laboratory "Synevo" offers mineral determination

Resources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes

https://www.medicinenet.com/dpr/cancer/multiple-myeloma/cm/car-t-cell-therapy-rrmm-costs-insurance

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge