Minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphate, magnesium

Description

Potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are among the most important minerals in the human metabolism. Calcium is the dominant cation in the human body; phosphorus is the second most important component in terms of quantity after calcium. And magnesium is the second most important intracellular cation after potassium.

Disorders of the balance of these electrolytes are frequent and complex. They are usually due to inadequate intake, impaired absorption and altered excretion. Both their deficiency and their excess result in numerous clinical symptoms. These mainly include neuromuscular, gastrointestinal and cardiac disorders.

The intake of these minerals through food or supplements is evaluated differently. While supplementation of potassium, calcium and magnesium is often recommended and has numerous indications, phosphate supplementation should generally be discouraged.

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Learning objectives

After you have completed this topic...

• you know all the important facts about the minerals potassium, calcium, phosphate and magnesium
• are familiar with the intake recommendations, the occurrence in the diet, deficiency symptoms and toxicity of the various minerals
• know when supplementation with the respective mineral is indicated