| Nutrient | Function | Deficiency Leads to |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | Aids in formation and maintenance of bones and teeth; permits healthy nerve functioning and normal blood clotting | ↑ Neuromuscular irritability Impaired blood clotting |
| Phosphorus | Bone building | Rickets |
| Magnesium | Cellular metabolism of carbohydrates and protein | ↓ Cellular metabolism of carbohydrates and protein Tetany |
| Sodium | Fluid and electrolyte balance; acid-base balance; electrochemical impulses of nerves and muscles | Fluid and electrolyte imbalance ↓ Muscle contraction |
| Potassium | Osmotic pressure and water balance | Fluid and electrolyte imbalance ↓ Cardiac and skeletal muscular contractility |
| Chloride | Fluid and electrolyte balance; acid-base balance Digestion | Fluid imbalances; alkalosis |
| Iron | Hemoglobin formation Cellular oxidation | Anemia; ↑ risk of infection |
| Iodine | Synthesis of thyroid hormone; overall body metabolism | Goiter |
| Zinc | Constituent of cell enzyme system; CO2 carrier in RBCs | ↓ Metabolism of protein and carbohydrates Delayed wound healing; ↑ risk of infection |
| Vitamin A | Collagen synthesis | Poor healing; scaly skin |
| Vitamin C | Capillary integrity | Poor healing; bruising |
| Vitamin K | Coagulation | Bruising and hemorrhage |
| Pyridoxine and thiamine | Antibody, RBC, and WBC formation | ↑ Risk of infection Anemia |
| Protein | Wound repair; clotting WBC production Phagocytosis | Poor healing; edema |
| Fats | Cellular energy Cell membrane integrity | Impaired tissue repair |
| Carbohydrates | Cellular energy; spare protein | Interference with healing |