subject: 5 Dangers Of Macromineral Deficiency [print this page] The macrominerals are seven nutrients (calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur) that support almost every function in your body. Failing to get the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for any of the seven can have a number of adverse effects on your health. In this article I will be discussing five of the dangers of macromineral deficiency.
1) BLOOD PROBLEMS:- Consuming low levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulphur can all have a negative effect on the health of your blood. Not eating enough calcium can cause high blood pressure whilst not getting enough magnesium can remove calcium and potassium from your blood. Being deficient in phosphorus can lead to anemia (a low red blood cell count) whilst a sulphur deficiency can lead to circulatory problems.
2) HEARTBEAT INTERFERENCE:- Magnesium and potassium deficiencies can both lead to heartbeat interference. Consuming low levels of magnesium can lead to rapid heartbeats whilst consuming low levels of potassium can cause irregular heartbeats. Both of these symptoms ultimately cause damage to your heart which increases your risk for heart attacks and heart disease.
3) HAIR, NAIL AND SKIN PROBLEMS:- Not getting enough potassium and sulphur can lead to a variety of hair, nail and skin problems. Failing to get enough potassium can lead to dry skin whilst failing to get enough sulphur can lead to impaired hair and nail growth and a variety of skin problems.
4) NAUSEA:- Being deficient in magnesium and sodium can lead to nausea (an unpleasant feeling which makes you want to vomit). Prolonged nausea which results in vomiting can lead to the more long term problems of vitamin and mineral deficiency as the vomiting causes these nutrients to be excreted from your stomach.
5) THIRST:- Failing to get enough potassium in your diet can impair your body's ability to maintain fluid balance. This can lead to a feeling of extreme thirst which will not go away even when adequate levels of fluid are consumed.
To ensure that you do not suffer from macromineral deficiency I highly recommend that you stick to the RDAs listed below:
- Calcium = 1000mg-1200mg for adults.
- Chloride = 750mg for adults.
- Magnesium = 300mg-400mg for adults.
- Phosphorus = 700mg for adults.
- Potassium = 4700mg for adults.
- Sodium = 1600mg for adults.
- Sulphur = No RDA but most sources suggest a daily intake of between 800mg-1000mg.
Macromineral deficiency can have a number of negative health effects but sticking to the RDAs has countless health benefits. I hope this article helps you enjoy all the macromineral benefits and avoid the adverse effects of deficiency.
