Copper toxicity

A number of biochemical processes depend on copper to function normally, plus copper is involved in the function of the nervous system. It is an essential component of iron utilization, connective tissue formation, pigmentation and enzymes used in energy production.

Although copper is one of the essential nutrients required by the human body for both physical and mental health, an excessive copper concentration in the human body becomes a toxic threat. Too much cooper in the system can cause a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, eczema, high blood pressure, kidney disease, nausea, premenstrual syndrome, sickle cell anemia, stomach pain and severe damage to the central nervous system.

The regular daily intake of 2 to 5 mg copper in adults is considered normal and thus free from harmful effects. Higher dosage, of 32 mg, can have an astringent effect and cause nausea; 80 to 132 mg may lead to vomiting.

Acute copper toxicity can result in number pathologies and, in severe cases, death. It can result from the ingestion of copper contaminated beverages including water or the accidental or liberate ingestion of high quantity of copper salts.
Copper toxicity

Iron losses in human body

Determination of RDA for iron has been based upon the fact that in the United States, iron intake is frequently inadequate in four population groups.

• Infants and young children (6 months to 4 years) because of low iron content of milk and other preferred food, rapid growth rate, and body reserves of iron insufficient to meet needs beyond 6 months.
• Adolescents in their early growth spurt because of rapid growth and needs of expanding red cell mass.
• Females during child bearing years because of menstrual iron losses
• Pregnant women because of their expanding blood volume, demands of fetus and placenta, plus blood losses to be incurred in childbirth.

Basal iron losses that average about 0.7 to 1.0 mg/d are exhibit by the adult male and the post-menopausal.

Assuming an average iron absorption of 10-15% an intake of 10 mg iron daily appears generous for these population groups.

Basal losses of iron plus increased needs have been considered in formulating the RDA for those groups frequently at risk.
Iron losses in human body

Potassium daily requirements

Potassium is the major intracellular solute and is critical for many physiological functions. The concentration of potassium in the body is 2 g/kg. At a concentration of 140 mmol/L, it is the most common cation in the intracellular fluid.

Potassium is localized mostly within the cells. It regulates the osmotic pressure within the cells, is involved in cell membrane transport and also in the activation of a number of glycolytic and respiratory enzymes.

Humans require an average daily intake of 2700 to 3500 mg potassium to maintain adequate total body potassium balance (National Research Council, 1989).

Wheat grain

The Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for potassium is 70 mg per day per kilogram of body weight; the US Committee on RDA has set minimum potassium requirements at 2000 mg per day, with levels between 1875 and 5625 mg considered ‘safe and adequate daily intake’. Intake is high in fruits, vegetables and grain and conversely, high-fat diets contain small of potassium.

Potassium deficiency is associated with a number of symptoms and may be a result of undernourishment or predominant consumption of potassium-deficient foods, e.g., white bread, fat or oil.
Potassium daily requirements 

Food sources of germanium

Germanium improves cellular oxygenation. This helps to fight pain, keep the immune system functioning properly and rid the body of toxins and poisons.

Germanium is found in all organic material, of both plant and animal origin. Tiny amounts of Germanium are found in many foods: broccoli, celery, garlic, shitake mushrooms, milk, chlorella, onions, pearl barley, rhubarb sauerkraut, tomato juice and the herbs aloe vera, comfrey, ginseng and suma.

Canned tuna may contain 3 ppm, and tomato juice and baked beans may contain 5 ppm.

Typically daily intake is 0.4 to 1.5 mg (5.5 to 20.7 μmol). In the United Kingdom daily intake is about 367 ug.

A Japanese scientist, Kazuhiko Asai, found that an intake of 100 to 300 milligrams of germanium per day improved much illness, including rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, elevated cholesterol, candidiasis, chronic viral infections, cancer and AIDS.

Although it is rare, some individuals may develop kidney problems or have a toxic reaction to this mineral if they take it in excessive amounts.
Food sources of germanium

Hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia is defined as a serum phosphorus concentration exceeding 5 mg/dl in adults, although a serum phosphorus concentration up to 6 mg/dl may be considered physiologic in children and adolescents. Most often chronic hyperphosphatemia is due to acute or chronic renal failure.

Hyperphosphatemia can result from:
*Redistribution of phosphorus from intracellular compartments to extracellular fluid. It may due to neoplastic diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. In addition may be cause by increased catabolism and respiratory acidosis.

*Increased gastrointestinal intake and absorption, or intravenous administration of phosphorus. This due to pharmacologic administration of vitamin D metabolites or ingestion of phosphate salts.

*Reduce renal phosphorus excretion, either because of decreased glomerular filtration or increased tubular reabsorption of phosphorus

Hyperphosphatemia is a common finding; it is observed an approximately 3% of all hospitals patients, 10% of hospitalized alcoholic patients and 70% of ventilated patients in intensive care.

Hyperphosphatemia is usually asymptomatic, but in renal failure, chronic hyperphosphatemia leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism.

The manifestations of acute hyperphosphatemia are related mainly due to those of the accompanying hypocalcaemia, tetany, muscle cramps, paresthesias, and seizures.
Hyperphosphatemia

Potassium

Potassium
The concentration of potassium in the body is 2 g/kg.

At a concentration of 140 mmol/L, it is the most common cation in the intracellular fluid.

Potassium is localized mostly within the cells.

It regulates the osmotic pressure within the cells, is involved in cell membrane transport and also in the activation of a number of glycolytic and respiratory enzymes.

The potassium intake in a normal diet is 2 – 5.9 g/day. The minimum daily requirement is estimated to be 782 mg.

Potassium deficiency is associated with a number of symptoms and may be a result of undernourishment or predominant consumption of potassium-deficient foods, e.g., white bread, fat or oil.
Potassium

Recommended Intake of Calcium

Calcium plays a key role in the integrity of the skeleton. Adequate intakes throughout childhood and adolescence are essential for optimal peak bone mass, which occurs between 20 and 30 years of age.

The RDA for children (1-10 years) and adults 25 years and older is 800 mg/day.

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for the adult male and female (800 mg/d) has been based upon calcium balance studies conducted with groups of individuals accustomed to ample intakes of the mineral.

Additional calcium (1200 mg) has been recommended during adolescence when rapid growth and bone mineralization are occurring. Government surveys have revealed, however, that much of the population (particularly females over 12 years of age) fails to consume the recommended amounts of calcium.

All these amounts of calcium can easily be obtained if dairy products are included in the diet. A balanced diet furnishes, in addition to calcium, other nutrients necessary for bone health.

Calcium metabolism in adolescent is not fully understood. Researcher found that the growth demands of girls were met by a more effective net absorption and retention of calcium compared with the young adult women, suggesting that the body is able to respond appropriately to increased need.

Inadequate calcium intake during the period of bone mineralization is a real concern because of the high incidence of osteoporosis among elderly women and the significantly correlation shown to exist between present bone density and past calcium intake.

The calcium absorption rate has been reported to increase during pregnancy and lactation. This evidence suggest it is prudent to recommend a calcium intake of 1200 mg throughout pregnancy and lactation, irrespective of age.

When body mass is taken into account, growing children require as much as two to four times as much calcium as adults and the United States recommended dietary allowance for calcium is greatest during adolescence (11-18 years) and early adulthood (19-24 years), being in the order of 1200 mg/day.

Although the exact age at which peak bone mass is achieved is uncertain, it is believed to be no earlier than 25 years. Meanwhile 800 mg/d is sufficient for the adult woman (over 25 years) even after menopause. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is regarded primarily as a medical rather than a nutritional problem.

Adequate calcium should be obtained through ingesting calcium rich foods.

The reason for poor calcium intake amongst female athletes and non-athletes lies in the lack of knowledge about good calcium sources and a desire for leanness. It is a common misconception that all dairy sources of calcium are high in fat.
Recommended Intake of Calcium