4.4 Minerals Flashcards
What are minerals?
inorganic elements involved in body structure and regulation
What are the two major groups of minerals?
major minerals
trace minerals
What are major minerals?
required in amounts greater than 100 mg daily
What are trace minerals?
required in amounts less than 100 mg
What is bioavailability?
degree to which a nutrient is absorbed and available for use by the body
What are the four factors that can affect the bioavailability of minerals?
- mineral source
- fiber-mineral interactions
- mineral-mineral interactions
- vitamin-mineral interactions
Which source of minerals are better absorbed?
animal sources are better than plant sources
What in plants can hinder absorption of minerals?
plant fiber
What is a major reason that plant sources of minerals can vary greatly in there amount?
mineral concentration of the soil
What is oxalic acid? Where is it found?
can decrease the absorption of certain minerals; found in dark leafy green vegetables
How do fiber-mineral interactions affect mineral bioavailability?
high fiber diets can lower the absorption of iron, zinc, and other minerals
What is phytic acid in relation to minerals?
located in grain fiber and binds to minerals interfering with absorption
How do mineral-mineral interactions affect mineral bioavailability?
magnesium, copper, calcium, and iron are similar in size and charge; excess of one can result in a decreased absorption of other minerals
How do vitamin-mineral interactions affect mineral bioavailability?
vitamin-mineral interactions are necessary for nutrient absorption and metabolism
What are the major minerals?
sodium
potassium
chloride
calcium
phosphorus
magnesium
