DEFICIENCY OF MINERALS
Calcium
• Sources: Milk and green leafy vegetables
• Function: Strengthens bones and teeth and helps in clotting of blood
• Deficiency disease: Osteoporosis in adults, Rickets in children
• Symptoms: Brittle bones; excessive bleeding; stunted growth; weak teeth and bones
Phosphorus
• Sources: Cereals, pulses (dal), and milk
• Function: Strengthens bones and teeth
• Deficiency disease: Rickets in children
• Symptoms: Weakening of bones; poor development of bones and nervous system; mental retardation; retarded growth; loss of weight.
Iron
• Sources: Cereals, pulses, meat, and green leafy vegetables
• Function: Helps in the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells
• Deficiency disease: Anaemia
• Symptoms: Pale body colour; body fatigue; white nails; loss of weight; swelling in hands and feet.
Iodine
• Sources: Fish and salt
• Function: Required for proper working of the thyroid gland
• Deficiency disease: Goiter
• Symptoms: Enlargement of the thyroid gland; mental retardation; retarded growth.
Sodium and potassium
• Sources: Salt and most sea food
• Function: Helps in maintaining body's water balance
• Deficiency disease: Body and muscle weakness, Paralysis
• Symptoms: General weakness; dehydration
Magnesium
• Sources: Green leafy vegetables, cereals, chicken, and fish
• Function: Regulates the functioning of muscles and nerves
• Deficiency disease: Weak muscles and nerves
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite; upset stomach; sleeplessness
Zinc
• Sources: Peas, beans, peanuts, and chicken
• Function: Strengthens the immune system, helps in cell division and in healing wounds
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite; retarded growth; anaemia; slow blood clotting
Fluorine
• Sources: Seafood and tea
• Function: Makes teeth stronger
• Symptoms: Increase in tooth decay
