Calcium

Calcium is an essential constituent of bones and plays an important role in body homoeostasis. Calcium is necessary for cardiac function, muscle contraction nervous activity, coagulation of blood and for maintaining structural integrity of cell membranes. The regulation of calcium metabolism is done by Vit D parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

Physiological role: Main constituent of bone, excitation contraction coupling, development of action potential of the myocardium, haemostasis and blood coagulation, neuromuscular excitability, as second messenger in molecular level action of many hormones and release of many neurotransmitter from their respective neurous.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is the collective name given to antirachitic substances synthesized in the body and found in foods activated by UV radiation. Including cholecalciferol (vit.D3) and calciferol (vit D2).

Physiological role: It regulates mineral metabolism by increasing calcium and phosphate absorption from the intestinal tract & by enhancing tubule reabsorption of calcium and phosphate in kidney. It also enhances resorption of calcium and phosphate from bone.

Vit.B12

VitB12 is essential for DNA synthesis Daily requirement : 3-5 mg per day.

Vit B12 is used in Megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms like decreased tendon reflexes, decreased vibration and position sense, confusion, loss of memory, delusion. In case of severe deficiency, pancytopenia can occur.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential essential trace element. It is a component part of many enzymes, like superoxide dismutase, carbonic anhydrase, lactate dehydrogenase.

Physiological role: Essential for proper DNA synthesis Zinc dependent enzymes are involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Zinc also helps in wound healing and in development of cell mediated immunity.