Phosphorus
There is phosphurus in Moringa oleifera in the form of calcium phosphate which is a structural component of bones and 85% of total body phosphorus is found in the skeleton.
Phosphorus plays an important function as a structural component of cell membrane phospholipids (that is, compounds composed of fatty acids, phosphoric acid and a nitrogenous base) which is important for:
· energy production and storage;
· phosphorylation of numerous enzymes;
· hormones and cell signaling molecules; and
· to maintain a normal acid-base equilibrium.
Phosphorus deficiency is usually rare and its symptoms are:
· bone mass loss;
· muscle weakness;
· malaise; and
· pain.
Sulphur
Sulphur is an essential component of all living cells. It is responsible for the conformation of body proteins through the formation of disulfide bonds, thereby holding connective tissue together.
Sulphur is good and effective for wound healing, healing parasite infections, reduced severity of sun burns, reduced allergic reactions, improved lung functions (including asthma) and interstitial cystitis.
Sulphur, together with vitamin C, helps to maintain elasticity and suppleness of the skin. It also interferes with the storage of copper which is good since most people on average seems to have high copper consumption.
Zinc
Zinc is present in all body tissues and fluids. There is about 2g of zinc present in the human body of which 60% of it is found in the skeletal muscle and 30% in bone mass.
Zinc is an essential component of a large number of enzymes participating in the synthesis and degradation of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids as well as in the metabolism of other micronutrients. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of cell and organ integrity by stabilising the molecular structure of cellular components and membranes.
Zinc is essential in polynucleotide transcription and in the process of genetic expression. It also plays an important role in the immune system, affecting a number of aspects of cellular and humoral immunity.
Zinc deficiency in humans can cause:
· growth retardation;
· delayed sexual and bone maturation;
· skin lesions;
· diarrhea;
· alopecia;
· impaired appetite;
· increased susceptibility to infections mediated via defects in the immune system; and
· the appearance of behavioural changes.
Zinc has a central role in cell division, protein synthesis, and growth which are very important especially for infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant women to ensure that this group have sufficient zinc intake.
Selenium
Selenium is a new discovery and its significance in the nutrition of the human body has grown very quickly over the last 20 years or so. Selenium is known as a trace nutrient and its role has been implicated:
· in the protection of body tissues against oxidative stress;
· in the maintenance of defences against infection;
· in the modulation of growth and development; and
· in the metabolism of thyroid hormone.
The selenium content of normal adult humans can vary widely, for example 3mg in New Zealand to 14 mg in some Americans which profoundly reflects the influence of natural environment on the selenium contents of soils, crops and human tissues. About 30% of tissue selenium is contained in the liver, 15% in kidney, 30% in muscle and 10% in blood plasma.
During stress, infection, or tissue injury, selenoenzymes (selenium protein) may protect against the damaging effects of hydrogen peroxide or oxygen-rich free radicals.
Selenium also works together with vitamin E to protect cell membranes against oxidative damage.
Selenium deficiency can cause the following situations:
· muscular weakness and myalgia with possible development of congestive heart failure;
· Keshan disease with the following typical manifestations:
o fatigue after even mild exercise;
o cardiac arrhythmia and palpitation;
o loss of appetite;
o cardiac insufficiency;
o cardiomegaly;
o congestive heart failure.
· Kaschin-Beck disease, a selenium responsive bone and joint disease (osteoarthropathy).
