Author: Sanjeet

Phosphorous is an essential mineral naturally found in many food items. About 85% availability of phosphorous is found mostly in association with calcium while 15% is evenly distributed across the cells and tissues in association with nitrogen.  It forms an integral part of the cell membrane and cell nuclei and play important role in gene transcription. The role of phosphorous is multifunctional and it helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, strong bone and teeth structure, gene transcription. However, its deficiency can be caused by renal failures. Functions of Phosphorous Phosphorous works in association with calcium due to certain…

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is essential for the proper function of the body. The impact of manganese deficiency is far less than the high doses of manganese. It causes manganese toxicity. Manganese is an important cofactor of several enzymes present in our body. The most important enzyme associated with manganese is manganese superoxide dismutase. It is mostly present in bone, liver, pancreas, and kidney cells.  Functions of Manganese Manganese is the essential trace mineral required for the proper functioning of the cells and tissues. In cells, it is stored in mitochondria and forms the mitochondrial and cell…

Chlorine is one of the important electrolytes present in the body. Chlorine acts as electrolytes and responsible for carrying signals between the brain and different parts of the body and vice-versa. Its presence in the body regulates the water content of the cells. In addition to sodium, chlorine plays a very important role in transferring neuro signals. We seldom heard that chlorine is poisonous and is harmful to our body however, an appropriate quantity of this element is required for the proper functioning of the human body.   Functions of Chlorine Chlorine is a negatively charged ion and helps in the…

Fluorine is an essential trace mineral essential for the solidification of cones and teeth when present in small amounts in drinking water. The most abundant form of fluorine is the fluoride ion (F-) which is present in nature in the association of other minerals. Compared to other essential minerals, fluoride ion has both positive and negative impacts on human health. Neither deficiency is good for health nor the excess which may lead to fluoride toxicity. Chronic exposure to an excess concentration of fluoride may lead to tooth decay, osteoporosis, impaired kidney functions, reproductive organs, nerve, and muscle. It is also observed to…

Sodium, magnesium, chloride, and potassium are the major constituents of electrolytes in our body which are responsible for transmitting nerve signals, regulating water and muscle contractions. Potassium imbalance may have deadly consequences, it may lead to brain dysfunction, muscle cramps, and twitching. However, it can be prevented with various measures such as including potassium-rich food items in diet and medical supplements.   Functions of Potassium Potassium is a positively charged ion and maintains the acid-base balance in the body. The major functions of potassium are transmitting nerve signals. Potassium ions act as neurotransmitters and responsible for carrying information from one part of the…

We are often clouded by several questions regarding our health. How to be healthy? What are the nutrients and how often these nutrients are required? What are the benefits and side effects of these nutrients? All these questioned must be answered to understand the building blocks of healthy life. Like other nutrients, Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is responsible for the growth and development of children and boosting of immunity. What is Zinc Deficiency? The deficiency of zinc in the human body may be caused by several factors. Some of the factors include prolonged deprivation of zinc-rich diet, malabsorption…

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is essential for making proteins for healthy bones and tissues. It synthesises the protein responsible for blood clotting and protects against severe bleeding. The proper functioning of vitamin K in the human body depends upon the adequacy of vitamin E in our system which regulates the uses of vitamin K. Small quantity of vitamin K is also formed by bacteria in the small intestine however, a major source of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables and animal-derived products (1, 2). Types of Vitamin K There are 2 types of Vitamin K (2, 3): Vitamin K1:…

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is essential for boosting immunity and prevents cell damage. It is naturally found in some of the food however, it can also be added to foods during fortification and we can also have supplements. Naturally occurring vitamin E is found in 8 chemical forms out of which only alpha-tocopherol is known to suffice human requirement (1). Types of Vitamin E There are 8 types of naturally occurring vitamin E and it can be categorized into two groups (1): Tocopherol Group: Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma- and Delta-tocopherol Tocotrienol Group: Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma- and Delta-tocotrienol What…

Vitamin C is a very important micronutrient essential for maintaining bone, teeth, cartilage health. Persistent vitamin C deficiency is the major cause of scurvy among the human population. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and it is not produced by the body. The inability of internal production forces us to rely on external sources of vitamin C (1, 2).  What is Vitamin C Deficiency? Vitamin C deficiency is a health condition caused by prolonged deprivation of Vitamin C. It may be caused by inadequate intake of a Vitamin C-rich diet and malabsorption due to preexisting health conditions like gastrointestinal…

Vitamin A deficiency is the major cause of preventable blindness in children and increases the risk of death from severe infections. It is very commonly found in poor countries like African and South-Asian countries. Vitamin A is the most important micronutrient which is commonly known as retinol. It is responsible for maintaining healthy eyesight, cellular differentiation, resistance against infections, epithelial integrity, red blood cell production, and reproduction (1, 2).  What is Vitamin A Deficiency? Vitamin A deficiency is a health condition caused by prolonged deprivation of a vitamin A-rich diet. It may be caused by inadequate intake of vitamin A-rich diet,…