Mineral metabolism disorders Health Article

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Table of Contents
Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Disorders
Reviewer Info: Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 06/17/2008

Definition

Mineral metabolism disorders are abnormal levels of minerals -- either too much or too little -- in the blood.

Minerals are very important for the human body. They have various roles in metabolism and body functions. They are essential for the proper function of cells, tissues, and organs.

Some minerals, such as iron, make up part of many proteins and enzymes in the body. Others, such as potassium, help to produce proteins from amino acids and are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Minerals also play a role in the building of muscle and bone and are important for normal body growth.

Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that create and use energy, such as:

  • Breathing
  • Circulating blood
  • Digesting food and nutrients
  • Eliminating waste through urine and feces
  • Regulating temperature

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Disorders of mineral metabolism are sometimes passed from parents to their children through genes. Other medical conditions, such as starvation, diarrhea, or alcoholism, can cause mineral metabolism problems.

Disorders

Minerals that play a large role in the body include:

Disorders in which mineral metabolism problems often occur include:

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