Minerals

Of calcium, potassium and odd-named substances!

Index

You can select the mineral you are interested in below or you can simply read them all! I have listed what the body needs the various minerals for, how much a body needs, what food contains the various minerals and also what happens in cases of overdose or deficiency of the given substance.


Calcium

What is it for?

  1. it gives substance and in fact makes up most of the bones and teeth
  2. acts as a regulator in cells
  3. important for muscle and neural functioning
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 80 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 36 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. the actual demand of calcium is influenced by other factors as well, meaning high intake of carbohydrates and/or phosphor/magnesium will increase the demand for calcium
  3. an intake of less than the recommended dose over a longer period of time (over a month or two for adult dogs or adult humans alike) and often leads to a multitude of problems
  4. an overdose of calcium in adults is rare although it can happen - NOTE however, that other rules apply to puppies, especially large breed puppies and young dogs
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. deficiency inevitably leads to osteoporosis and other skeletal problems
  2. teeth are also negatively influenced by a lack of calcium, this is especially true during the time of developing permanent teeth when the milk teeth start to go
  3. slowed blood coagulation
  4. muscle cramps and tremors
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. small overdoses are expelled through the feces
  2. larger overdoses can lead to:
    • calcification (-> coronary heart disease)
    • muscle cramps and tremors
    • organ calcification (e.g. bladder stones)
    • constipation
    • vomiting
  3. dehydration
Which foods contain Calcium? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • nettles
    • dandelion
    • rose hips
    • thyme
    • elderberry
    • juniper berry
    • parsley
  2. animal sources
    • egg
    • joghurt
    • milk
    • cheese
    • bones
    • eggshell
  3. miscellaneous
    • algae
    • mussels
    • yeast


Phosphor

What is it for?

  1. in combination with calcium it is an element essential for the formation of bones and teeth
  2. needed for DNA formation
  3. essential for cell metabolism
  4. essential for cell formation
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the calcium-phosphor balance is more important than any other number; it is said to be something between 1.25:1 (calcium-phosphor) to 1:1 to 2:1 (calcium phosphor); point is, a bit more calcium than phosphor is probably a good idea
  2. the recommended dose is 60 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 27 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  3. intake of large amounts of calcium, magnesium and iron inhibits the uptake and use of phosphor
  4. a dose of 160 mg per kilo (kg) of body weight - that is 72 mg per pound (lb) of body weight - is almost certain to cause problems (see overdose)
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. deficiency signs occur rather quickly
  2. bones get brittle and soften
  3. teeth get brittle, loose and may fall out
  4. problems with the central nervous centrum
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. small excess intake can be expelled through urine
  2. building of urolith ("urinary stones")
  3. due to the inbalance of the calcium metabolism the signs for calcium deficency are likely to occur
Which foods contain Phosphor? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • soy
    • nettle
    • rose hip
    • wholemeal barley
    • wholemeal rye
    • garlic (to be used with caution in dogs!)
  2. animal sources
    • cheese
    • egg
    • brain
    • liver
    • kidney
  3. miscellaneous
    • yeast
    • algae


Potassium

What is it for?

  1. is needed in all cells of the body
  2. needed for the balance of fluids within the body
  3. regulates muscles and nerves
  4. supports carbohydrate and fat metabolism
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 55 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 25 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. I could find no detailed numbers about what would constitute an overdose or deficiency, I assume the "significantly more" and "significantly less" rule of thumb might apply
  3. an increase in sodium intake requires an increased intake of potassium to
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. deficiencies occur in cases of increased fluid metabolism (diarrhoea -> lots of water out; and drinking huge amounts of water)
  2. signs are:
    • fatigue
    • weakness
    • constipation [no idea how that correlates with diarrhoea]
    • low blood pressure
    • paralysis
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. symptoms are rare because the body can usually deal with this satisfactory
  2. large amounts of urine are usually a first sign of potassium overdose
  3. in cases of chronic overdose
    • the liver may be damaged
    • the heart will possibly be seriously damaged which will manifest itself first in irregular heart beat
Which foods contain potassium? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • dandelion
    • nettle
    • soy
    • elderberry
    • garlic (to be used with caution in dogs!)
    • rose hip
    • parsley
    • dates
    • spinach
    • wholemeal flour
  2. animal sources
    • shellfish
    • sheep intestines
    • fish
  3. miscellaneous
    • yeast
    • algae
    • mushrooms


Magnesium

What is it for?

  1. it is an element that is used as "building blocks" in bones, ligaments and teeth
  2. crucial in blood circulation and metabolism
  3. works as a "messenger" transmitting impulses to muscles and hence motion and reaction
  4. an essetial aid in phosphor metabolism
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 15 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 7 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. I could find no detailed numbers about what would constitute an overdose or deficiency, I assume the "significantly more" and "significantly less" rule of thumb might apply
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. chronic deficiency which leads to the extraction of magnesium from bones and other tissues will lead to
    • damage to bones and the entire sceletal apparatus
    • heart and circulation problems
    • tremors
    • problems with the digestive system
    • loss of the ability to concentrate
    • catilage, organs and arteries/veins may sustain permanent damage
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. the body can self-regulate small overdoses
  2. large overdoses can lead to:
    • diarrhoea
    • paralysis
    • building of urolith ("urinary stones"
    • increased urinary activity
Which foods contain magnesium? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • soy
    • nettles
    • dandelion
    • wholemeal flour/grains
    • elderberry
    • rose hip
    • garlic (to be used with caution in dogs!)
    • chick peas
  2. animal sources
    • shellfish
    • pork
    • fish
  3. miscellaneous
    • algae
    • yeast


Sodium

What is it for?

  1. essential for the regulation of water within the body
  2. important for the functioning of the nervous system
  3. regulates the acid-base balance
  4. regulates the carbohydrate-protein metabolism
  5. ensures proper functioning of cells in collaboration with potassium
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 50 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 23 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. unlike the common notion that salt is always bad for us and animals, we and they need salt in reasonable amounts to remain happy and healthy
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. dehydration:
    • dry skin
    • quickening breath (panting in dogs)
    • apathy
    • low blood pressure
    • fatigue
    • muscle weakness
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. overdoses are very rare because the body self-regulates the sodium metabolism; ever felt really thirsty after eating something very salty? that's the body regulating an overdose of sodium and trying to get rid of it by solving it in water and making you go to the bathroom to get rid of it
  2. when an overdose does happen (often called "salt poisoning") the signs are as follows
    • weakness
    • vomiting
    • diarrhoea
    • heart problems (irregular heart beat, etc)
    • breathing problems (short breath)
Which foods contain sodium? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. the most common and best known source of sodium is sodium chlorid, better known as "plain salt", "table salt", "cooking salt", etc
  2. plant sources
    • soy
    • bakery products (because they contain table salt)
    • nettle
    • dandelion
  3. animal sources
    • cheese (because it contains table salt)
    • fish (canned fish, which also contains table salt)
    • blood (other than ordinary table salt probably the best source)
  4. miscellaneous (all three things origin in the sea which contains SALT water....)
    • algae
    • mussels
    • shellfish

Trace elements

There are believed to be five trace elements.
These are:


Iron

What is it for?

  1. it is the substances that makes it possible to transport oxygen in the blood
  2. it can work as an oxygen store in high demand areas such as muscles
  3. hair pigmentation
  4. supports the immune system
  5. plays a role in the bodies energy balancing
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 1.4 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 0.6 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. more iron is needed after a significant blood loss, during shedding and regrowing coat in dogs and in cases of high intake of fats and carbohydrates (as they inhibit the uptake of iron)
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. the body is very effective in regulating iron uptake and since most foods do contain iron the body most commonly is capable of handling the problem itself
  2. in extreme, chronic cases of deficiency the following symptoms can be observes
    • inflammation of the mucous membranes - especially the mouth
    • fatigue
    • change of hair colour/coat colour
    • anaemia
    • weakening of the immune system
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. small amounts can be expelled through the intestine
  2. large amounts or unneeded amounts once absorbed by the body cannot be expelled and hence work as "free radicals" potentially damaging cells
Which foods contain iron? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • thyme
    • dandelion
    • nettle
    • millet
    • elderberry
  2. animal sources
    • spleen
    • lung
    • liver
    • kidney
    • blood
    • egg
  3. miscellaneous
    • algae
    • yeast
    • mussel


Copper

What is it for?

  1. strong immune system (protects agains "free radicals"
  2. is an element making up bones
  3. supports the nervous system and the nerves
  4. strengthens connective tissue
  5. pigmentation of hair/coat
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 100 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 45 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. during extreme shedding and re-growth of hair more copper is needed
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. greying of hair
  2. hair loss
  3. weakening of the immune system
  4. anaemia
  5. osteoporosis
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. unneeded supply is stored in the liver - but it works as a free radical as well... -> liver failure
  2. vomiting
  3. diarrhoea
  4. rheumatoid arthritis
  5. nervousness
  6. hyperactivity
  7. aggression
Which foods contain copper? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • rose hip
    • nettle
    • dandelion
    • whomelmeal flour/grains
    • garlic (to be used with caution in dogs!)
  2. animal sources
    • liver
    • tongue
    • heart
    • kidney
  3. miscellaneous
    • yeast
    • mussel
    • algae
    • shellfish


Zinc

What is it for?

  1. energy metabolism of the entire body
  2. immune system
  3. hormone formation
  4. DNA formation
  5. healthy skin
  6. cell growth and regeneration (e.g. wound healing)
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 0.9 mg per kg body weight - that translates into 0.4 mg per pound (lb) of body weight
  2. intake of large amounts of copper and calcium requires more zinc
  3. during extreme shedding and re-growth of hair more zinc is needed
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. the body cannot store zinc, hence a steady supply is necessary
  2. fatigue
  3. loss of concentration
  4. weak immune system
  5. weakening of pigmentation of hair/coat
  6. hair loss
  7. flaky skin around muzzle and eyes
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. extremely rare
  2. problems with digestion and vomiting
  3. anaemia
Which foods contain zinc? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. plant sources
    • dandelion
    • soy
    • whomelmeal flour/grain
  2. animal sources
    • cheese
    • liver
    • fish
    • meat
    • egg
  3. miscellaneous
    • mussel
    • algae
    • yeast


Selenium/Selen

What is it for?

  1. antioxidant
  2. immune system
  3. detoxicating the body
  4. production of thyroid hormones
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 2.5 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 0.7 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. problems with the general metabolism
  2. weakening of the immune system
  3. joint problems (e.g. arthritis)
  4. paralysis
  5. insufficient production of thyroid hormones
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. hair loss
  2. a noticable garlic scent
  3. vomiting
  4. liver problems (as excess selen is stored in the liver)
Which foods contain Selen? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. most meat and intestines
  2. wholemeal grains/flour
  3. fish
  4. algae


Iodine

What is it for?

  1. production and regulation of thyroid hormones
  2. general metabolism
How much is enough - how much is too much? [according to AAFCO and EU]
  1. the recommended dose is 15 µg per kg body weight - that translates into 6.8 µg per pound (lb) of body weight
What happens in cases of a deficiency?
  1. enlarged thyroid
  2. weakness
  3. weight gain
  4. low bloodpressure
  5. fatigue
What happens in cases of overdose?
  1. overdoses are very rare
  2. heightend thyroid activity, hence quickend metabolism manifesting itself as
    • restlessness
    • weight loss
    • high blood pressure
    • tremors
    • muscle weakness
Which foods contain iodine? (this is not an exclusive list, only a few examples of common products)
  1. fish and other substances coming from the ocean
  2. it can be found in other animal products in countries where adding iodine to farm animals is required by law

 

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Sources:
  • European Union Directorate-General for Health and Consumer Protection
    • subsection "Animal nutrition and feed safety"
    • subsection "Labeling and Nutrition"
    • subsection "Food safety"
  • the German Federal Ministry of Health
  • the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human services
    • subsection "Food and Drug Administration"
  • Association of American Feed Control Officials
  • The Finnish National Public Health Institute - "Fineli"
  • the UK Department of Health
  • the UK Department for Enviornment, Food and Rural Affairs - "defra"

NB: the author does not guarantee the accuracy of this information or accept responsibility for harm caused through it

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