Overview of mineral and trace element deficiencies
Minerals are commonly separated into major minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chloride and magnesium) and trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine and selenium). Trace elements are required in smaller amounts than minerals. Minerals are not easily excreted or destroyed by cooking, unlike vitamins. The bioavailability of minerals is affected by many dietary and physiological factors, and many minerals interact with each other (ie excess intake of one can lead to reduced absorption of others). Some mineral deficiencies can be hard to recognise.
See Clinical aspects of key minerals and trace elements for clinical aspects of key minerals and trace elements. Dietary sources of key minerals and trace elements are listed in Dietary sources of key vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
The evidence for the optimal dosage of mineral and trace element supplementation and outcomes is limited; dosages given in this topic are a guide only.
The evidence for subsequent testing following supplementation is also limited and can be guided by baseline blood concentrations and recommendations for specific groups where available.
The need for supplementation of minerals and trace elements should be continually reassessed. To avoid toxicity, recheck blood concentration after 3 months. Stop supplementation once the deficiency has resolved.
calcium | |
physiological function | bone health neuromuscular and cardiac function |
effects of deficiency | osteoporosis tetany (if other factors affecting calcium homeostasis are present, such as vitamin D or parathyroid hormone disorders) |
risk factors for deficiency | teenage years, postmenopause or older age lactose intolerance anorexia nervosa pregnancy or breastfeeding vegan or very high-fibre diet inflammatory bowel disease short bowel syndrome bariatric surgery vitamin D deficiency |
iron | |
see Iron deficiency | |
selenium | |
physiological function | antioxidant: works with vitamin E to prevent free radical formation |
effects of deficiency | skeletal muscle dysfunction cardiomyopathy (Keshan disease) impaired immune function macrocytosis whitened nail beds |
risk factors for deficiency | conditions resulting in malabsorption (eg short bowel syndrome) areas with low selenium content in soil (particularly relevant for vegans) |
zinc | |
physiological function | cofactor for more than 100 enzymes stabilises cell membranes and defends against free radicals |
effects of deficiency | decreased immune function impaired wound healing hair loss impaired taste perception or appetite impaired growth low insulin concentration eczematous skin rash decreased spermatogenesis delayed onset of puberty |
risk factors for deficiency | after illness or surgery hazardous alcohol use anorexia nervosa vegan diet coeliac disease older age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cirrhosis smoking pregnancy |