Mineral metabolism disorders are abnormal levels of minerals — either too much or too little — in the blood.

Minerals are very important for the human body. They have various roles in metabolism and body functions. They are essential for the proper function of cells, tissues, and organs.

Some minerals, such as iron, make up part of many proteins and enzymes in the body. Others, such as potassium, help produce proteins from amino acids and are involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Minerals also play a role in the building of muscle and bone and are important for normal body growth.

Disorders in which mineral metabolism problems often occur include:

• Hypophosphatemia
• Osteomalacia
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Bartter syndrome
• Cushing’s disease
• Proximal renal tubular acidosis
• Distal renal tubular acidosis
• Fanconi’s syndrome
• Addison’s disease
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Nephrocalcinosis
• Hypercalcemia
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney stones
• Paget’s disease
• Osteomalacia