Minerals involve in metabolic reactions

Minerals or inorganic elements are needed by human body to maintain many of their metabolic processes and to provide material for major structural elements.

Calcium has a role as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions, acting as an activator (e.g adenosine triphosphatase or stabilizer) of enzymes and it is necessary for secretion of a number of hormones and hormone-releasing factors.

Phosphorus also has roles in a number of metabolic reactions. Phosphorus is involved in almost every aspect of food metabolism and utilization of fat, carbohydrate, protein and other nutrients in the body.

Like calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is also important as a cofactor in a number of metabolic reactions and seems to particularly important in maintaining muscle tone.

Although certain mineral ions (e.g., calcium, magnesium and iron) enhance the activity of enzymes by serving cofactors, other heavy metal ions (e.g., lead, zinc, mercury and arsenic) usually act as poisons to the cell.

These toxic ions inhibit enzyme activity by replacing the cofactors at the combining site of the enzyme, thus inhibiting normal metabolic processes.
Minerals involve in metabolic reactions