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[Minerals in Latin American diets]
1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
Archivos Latinoamericanos De Nutricion
|September 1, 1988
Summary
This chapter reviews essential body minerals, including calcium, zinc, and iodine, detailing their functions, dietary sources, and deficiency risks. It analyzes daily needs and provides recommendations, considering factors like bioavailability and fiber intake.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Human Physiology
- Dietary Studies
Background:
- Body minerals, including macro and microminerals, are vital for physiological functions.
- These minerals are distributed in extra- and intracellular compartments as inorganic salts or organic compounds.
- Metabolizing mineral compounds liberates ions for reuse, potentially reducing dietary requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the functions, dietary sources, and clinical consequences of mineral deficiencies or excesses.
- To analyze daily mineral needs based on metabolic balance, body composition, and dietary surveys.
- To suggest dietary recommendations considering regional diets and factors affecting mineral absorption.
Main Methods:
- Review of metabolic balance studies.
- Analysis of body composition data.
- Examination of dietary population surveys.
Main Results:
- Calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and iodine functions, sources, and deficiency/excess consequences are discussed.
- Daily needs are analyzed, and recommendations are suggested for regional diets.
- Factors influencing mineral absorption, such as bioavailability and dietary fiber, are emphasized.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fiber's impact on mineral absorption is complex and not fully defined.
- Some populations with high fiber intake show no clinical signs of mineral deficits.
- Fluorine supplementation is beneficial for preventing dental caries; iodine, iron, and fluorine fortification are also considered.