The functions of macro- and microelements in the human body: what functions do macroelements and microelements perform
But if in natural products their ratio is balanced, then in pharmaceutical vitamin complexes the balance is often disturbed. Below you will find out what functions macro- and microelements perform, and what is their significance for the body.
What are the functions of macro- and microelements in the body?
A significant impact on the absorption of vitamins in the human body is exerted by minerals – macroelements and microelements.
Macronutrients are elements, the amounts of which are present in the cell in significant concentrations (whole and tenths of a percent). Macroelements include: hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium.
Trace elements are contained in the cell in low concentrations (hundredths and thousandths of a percent and below). In total, there are more than 30 trace elements in the cell. Among them are aluminum, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, cobalt, strontium, iodine, selenium, bromine, fluorine, boron, arsenic, etc.
The functions of macro- and microelements are very diverse. They affect the stability of colloidal compounds, the activity of enzymes, the osmotic pressure of body fluids, and a number of other physiological processes.
The main functions of macro- and microelements in the human body are listed below.
Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon are the main chemical elements from which proteins, fats, carbohydrates are built.
Hydrogen ions determine the acidity of the environment of biological solutions.
Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are important building blocks for bone tissue.
Calcium is also needed for muscle contraction, the transmission of nerve impulses across synapses. It is one of the factors of the blood coagulation system.
Sulfur is a constituent of amino acids and a number of biologically active substances.
Iodine plays an important role in the humoral regulation of body functions, as it is part of the thyroid hormones.
Iron is part of hemoglobin (ensures the implementation of its transport function).
Iron, zinc and cobalt are found in some enzymes and vitamins.
The occurrence and conduction of nerve impulses in the nervous system is associated with sodium, potassium, chlorine ions.
Potassium is especially necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
Chlorine is also part of the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice.
Fluorine is part of the enamel of the teeth.
Knowing about the functions of macro- and microelements in the human body, remember that in any food there is a close relationship between vitamins and minerals. In natural products, the balance between vitaminsand minerals respected by nature itself. But the question of how the properties of vitamins, macro- and microelements are interconnected in synthetic vitamin complexes has not yet been sufficiently studied by science. Some experts, for example, insist that vitamin complexes should not contain minerals and trace elements, since they impair the absorption and absorption of vitamins. But, on the other hand, a lack or excess of macro- and microelements leads to serious violations of metabolic processes in the body, including the metabolism of vitamins. In general, given the functions of micro and macro elements in the body, the debate on the topic “Vitamins and minerals – enemies or friends?" continue.