3.2.2.2 Minerals

Question 1

Why are minerals classified as a micronutrient?

Answer 1

We need micronutrients in small quantities.

Question 2

State a function of calcium.

Answer 2

Helps strengthen teeth and bones.
Helps nerves and muscles work properly.
Helps blood clot over wounds following injury.

Question 3

State the effect of a deficiency of calcium.

Answer 3

Weaken teeth and bones.
Muscles and nerves will not work properly.
If this is due to a lack of vitamin D, rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults can occur.
Blood will not clot properly over wounds following injury.

Question 4

State the effect of an excess of calcium.

Answer 4

Excess is rare.

If too much calcium is absorbed, it will get deposited in organs such as the kidneys which will stop them from working.

Question 5

State three sources of calcium.

Answer 5

Milk, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fish with softened bones and fortified flour (by law).

Question 6

State a function of iron.

Answer 6

Needed to make haemoglobin (helps carry oxygen to body cells).

Question 7

Which vitamin helps absorb calcium?

Answer 7

Vitamin D

Question 8

Which vitamin helps absorb iron?

Answer 8

Vitamin C

Question 9

State the effect of a deficiency of iron.

Answer 9

Iron deficiency anaemia (tiredness, lack of energy, weakness, pale skin).

Question 10

State the effect of an excess of iron.

Answer 10

Too much iron can be poisonous in the body.

Question 11

State three sources of iron.

Answer 11

Red meat, kidney, liver.
Wholemeal bread.
Green leafy vegetables, dried apricots.
Egg yolk.
Plain chocolate.

Question 12

State a function of fluoride.

Answer 12

Strengthen bones.
Strengthen enamel (in teeth).
Help prevent tooth decay.

Question 13

State the effect of a deficiency of fluoride.

Answer 13

Tooth decay (due to weaker enamel).

Question 14

State the effect of an excess of fluoride.

Answer 14

Discoloured teeth.

Question 15

State three sources of fluoride.

Answer 15

Fish, seafood.
Some water supplies.
Tea.

Question 16

State a function of iodine.

Answer 16

Produce thyroxin (hormone) which helps control the body’s metabolic rate.

Question 17

State the effect of a deficiency of iodine.

Answer 17

Swelling of the neck in the goitre.

If a mother is deficient in iodine whilst pregnant, their baby may develop cretinism (permanent brain damage).

Question 18

State three sources of iodine.

Answer 18

Seafood, vegetables, milk and dairy foods.

Question 19

State the function of phosphorus in the body.

Answer 19

Helps maintain healthy teeth and bones (by keeping them strong).
Helps release energy and other chemical reactions in the body.

Question 20

State three sources of phosphorus.

Answer 20

Phosphorus is found in a variety of foods, especially those high in protein such as:

Meat, poultry, fish, beans, dairy products and nuts.