Calcium

Question 1

Name 4 sources of calcium.

Answer 1

Dairy products (milk, cheese and yoghurt ONLY), green leafy vegetables, nuts, pulses, soya products and tinned fish with bones eg. tinned salmon.

Question 2

What are the functions of calcium?

Answer 2

• Calcium is used for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth
• It is necessary for nerve and muscle function
• It is involved in blood clotting

Question 3

What are the effects of a deficiency of calcium?

Answer 3

> A lack of calcium could reduce peak bone mass i.e not enough calcium will be deposited on the bones during adolescence and young adulthood and therefore the bones never reach their maximum strength. This could contribute to osteoporosis in later life
Rickets in children
Osteomalacia in adults

Question 4

What are the symptoms of rickets?

Answer 4

• Bow legs
• Pain in the bones
• Bone fractures or muscle cramps

Question 5

What are the symptoms of osteomalacia?

Answer 5

• Bones that fracture easily
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain

Question 6

What vitamin is needed to absorb calcium from food?

Answer 6

Vitamin D allows calcium to be absorbed from food and deposited on the bones and teeth.

Question 7

What factors increase calcium intake?

Answer 7

> Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium
Lactose I’m milk increases calcium absorption
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin so you find it in foods high in fat
Calcium is easiest absorbed from dairy products

Question 8

What factors decrease calcium intake?

Answer 8

> Phytates in wholegrain cereals decrease calcium absorption

>Oxalates in rhubarb and spinach decrease calcium absorption