Tag Archives: Minerals

What Is Magnesium? Magnesium is an essential mineral predominantly found in the body within cells, where it is vital for their functions. Here is a summary of what magnesium does in our body: Co-factor for over 300 enzymes involved in ...

What Is Chronic Syndrome Fatigue? Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating illness characterized by persistent or relapsing overwhelming and incapacitating fatigue not relieved by rest, having a definite onset and often accompanied by numerous symptoms involving various body systems. This ...

What Is Unexplained Weight Gain? Unexplained weight gain is characterized by increased body mass due to excess fat accumulation that is not desired by the individual. A body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 30 signifies being overweight. What Is ...

What Is Calcium? Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% residing in teeth and bones where it constitutes 40% of skeletal bone weight along with 45% phosphorus. As a component of hard tissues, calcium fulfills a ...

What Is Hypomagnesemia? Hypomagnesemia means the level of magnesium in the bloodstream is too low to meet metabolic needs of the body for this mineral. Q: What are the metabolic needs of the body for magnesium? A: The metabolic needs ...

What Is Potassium? Potassium is a mineral that is crucial for life being essential for every cell, especially nerve and muscle function. Most potassium is intracellular, meaning it is found within cells while sodium, its opposing mineral (both electrolytes), is ...

What Is Phosphorus? Phosphorus is an essential mineral present in every cell of the body mostly in the form of phosphate. About 85% of phosphorus is present in bone making up a major component of bone formation. As a component of ...

What Is Iron? Iron is an essential mineral that is required for normal body function. Almost two-thirds of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Smaller amounts of ...

What Is Chromium? Chromium is a mineral that the body absolutely requires in trace amounts for normal metabolism, meaning the physical and chemical processes by which energy is produced and used. Chromium is especially involved in the use of glucose sugar ...

What Is Copper Deficiency? Copper is an essential trace element that is required for a number of enzymes which are necessary for normal metabolic function. In the body almost all the copper is present as a component of copper proteins ...

What Is Zinc? Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, being essential for activation of almost 200 enzymes that have vital roles in the body. Q: What happens when enzymes do not ...

What Is Selenium? Selenium is a mineral that is required by the body  in trace amounts for a healthy immune system, normal thyroid function, and antioxidant protection. Selenium is absolutely required in the production of at least 30 selenoproteins in the ...

What Is Melanoma? Melanoma is a cutaneous malignancy with rapid invasion and metastasis to other parts of the body. Melanoma is characterized by growth from melanocytes appearing as a new mole or enlarging from an exisiting mole, changing shape, size ...

What Is Esophageal Small Cell Cancer (Carcinoma)? Esophageal small cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy arising in the esophagus with a poor prognosis. Q: Where does the cancer occur in the esophagus? A: Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere in ...

What Is Cachexia? Cachexia is a state of ill health involving deteriorating body composition that is characterized by general malnutrition and loss of lean tissue such as muscle. Q: What are typical findings in cachexia? A: Arm muscle triceps (the ...