Reevaluation of the Metabolic Essentiality of the Minerals - Review

Abstract

Essential metabolic functions have been identified for seven macrominerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur), and eight microminerals (cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc). Major functions for each of these minerals are summarized. Considerable research suggests that chromium is also essential and that it functions by facilitating insulin activity. Studies are reviewed which indicate that chromium supplementation of animal diets may: 1) increase glucose removal from blood, 2) reduce carcass fat and increase lean in nonruminants, 3) alter egg cholesterol content, and 4) enhance immunity and disease resistance in ruminants, A number of other minerals including nickel, boron, vanadium, arsenic, silicon, lithum, and lead have been reported to be essential, but specific metabolic functions have not been defined for any of these elements. Limited research in poultry suggests that boron may be of practical significance in some instances.