A1-002 Mineral Concept Definition of minerals Minerals are inorganic ions needed by the body because they have a role as catalysts in biochemical reaction processes.Minerals have an important role in maintaining body functions both at the cellular level and at the organ level and the body as a whole. Type of Mineral a. Macro minerals (major minerals/main minerals) Macro minerals are minerals that are needed in amounts of more than 100mg/day, between other: Sodium (Na) Sodium or also called sodium has a function to maintain balance of water and electrolytes (acid base) in cells (intracellular) and in extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. This sodium is also needed to carry nerve impulses. Sodium is found more in extracellular fluid than intracellular and as much as 30-40% is in bones. Sodium is easily absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. The organs that play an important role in removing and retaining sodium in the body are the kidneys. Approximately 99.5% of sodium is reabsorbed by the kidneys. Each individual's sodium needs are different according to their individual needs for growth and development. If the body experiences a sodium deficiency it can cause growth disorders and death, for example what occurs in cases of dysentery. Sodium is easily absorbed by the kidneys and intestines, the absorption process coincides with water absorption. We can get sources of sodium through table salt, and also from fruits including apples, spinach, melons, avocados, radishes, mangoes and watermelon. Calcium (Ca) The next type of macro mineral is calcium (Ca) which is also very important and has a large role in bone metabolism, muscle contraction or activity, nerve function, blood clotting processes, and immune function. A small portion of bone calcium can be replaced by magnesium and sodium. The human body uses calcium for metabolic processes not directly from food but is taken from calcium deposits in the bones. We can get sources of calcium from fruits and vegetables that contain calcium, including avocado, lemon, apple, mango, spinach, cantaloupe, guava, long beans, tomatoes, pineapple, papaya and radish. Phosphorus (P) The next type of macro mineral that the body needs is phosphorus (P), phosphorus is found in in hard tissue in smaller amounts than calcium. On the other hand, in soft tissue, the amount of phosphorus is greater than calcium. In general, the body's phosphorus needs can be met in the average amount of food served. Sources of phosphorus are carrots, tomatoes, bananas, apples, pineapple, spinach, avocado and papaya. Potassium (K) Potassium is the next macro mineral needed by the body, potassium has a role in maintaining osmotic pressure in the body. There is more potassium in intracellular fluid rather than extracellular fluid and is mostly bound by protein. Potassium is needed in the process of absorbing amino acids by cells and to help carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium is mainly excreted by the kidneys along with urine excretion, so that if a person experiences deurisis, a lot of potassium is also lost. Severe potassium decreases include chronic lung disease, protein calorie deficiency, and hepatitis cirrhosis. Food sources that contain the most potassium are green bananas and tomatoes, apples, spinach, guava, lime, mango, melon and watermelon. Chloride (Cl) Chloride is a macro mineral that is consumed in the form of table salt (NaCl). Will However, other sources containing chloridants are found in apples and carrots. Chloride is excreted in the stomach in the form of HCl and has the function of helping digest protein by pepsin. Chloride deficiency can cause alkalosis. For example, a child who is vomiting will waste a lot of fluid, including gastric HCl which will also be wasted, so that the acidity level (pH) in the body increases and alkalosis occurs/the body becomes more alkaline. Magnesium (Mg) Magnesium is a macro mineral and is no less important for the body. Magnesium is needed for bone formation and is also found in soft tissue. Food sources that contain lots of magnesium are papaya, carrots, spinach, apples, watercress, pineapple and radishes. b. Micro minerals (minor minerals/trace elements) Micro minerals are minerals that are needed in amounts less than 100mg/day including: Iron (Fe) Iron (Fe) is a micro mineral needed by the body. All cells in the body contains iron, blood hemoglobin and muscle have higher iron concentrations. Iron deficiency can cause anemia. This iron will bind to amino acids (alpha and beta chains) and Fe functions to bind oxygen and carbon dioxide so that cellular oxygen needs can be met. Fe cannot function in the body if it is not supported by the supply of amino acids. Food sources that contain iron include spinach, avocado, apples, guava, pineapple, papaya, carrot, mango, banana, watercress, watermelon and tomato. Zinc (Zn) Zinc helps several enzymes in carrying out their functions, in fact many enzymes contains Zn in its molecular structure. Zinc also has an important role in cell division. Our bodies contain zinc which is found in red blood cells, pancreas, spleen, liver and kidneys. Copper (Cu) Copper is a component of several types of enzymes in the blood cell formation system red, bone formation, and redox reactions. Without the presence of Cu, Hb cannot be formed completely and oxygen cannot be bound. Fluorine (F) Flour is a mineral found in the components of hard tissue, bones and teeth. Flour especially influences the tooth formation phase when it is still in the connective tissue. Flour also plays a role in protecting dentin and tooth enamel from dental caries attacks. Excess flour also causes teeth to not be perfectly healthy and makes teeth brownish yellow or what is usually calledmottled enamel. Iodine (I) Iodine is a micro mineral and essential nutrient for the body because it is component of the hormone thyroxine. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism and the body tries to compensate by increasing thyroid gland tissue and experiencing hypertrophy and a goiter can occur. Sources of iodine can be obtained through table salt and fish oil. Iodine has volatile properties, so if iodized salt is placed in the open or served with hot and open vegetables, the iodine contained tends to evaporate.