Calcium

Question 1

List the sources of calcium

10

Answer 1

Milk 
Yogurt 
Sardines 
Cheese 
Leafy green vegetables 
Sesame seeds 
Pumpkin seeds 
Almonds 
Raisins 
Hard water

Question 2

List the functions of calcium

4

Answer 2

Aids the formation of strong bones

Aids the formation of strong teeth

Assists blood clotting

Aids normal muscle contraction

Question 3

Calcium is needed for blood to clot, describe this function

Answer 3

Calcium assists blood clotting which is necessary if an injury causes damage to blood vessels

Question 4

List the effects of a calcium deficiency

4

Answer 4

Increased risk of bone diseases such as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis

Increased risk of tooth decay

Slow blood clotting

Muscles fail to relax

Question 5

A lack of calcium results in slow blood clotting, describe this deficiency

Answer 5

Slow blood clotting of ruptured blood vessels can cause haemorrhaging

Question 6

A lack of calcium results in muscles failing to relax, describe this deficiency

Answer 6

Muscles fail to relax after contraction which can cause muscular spasms, cramps and convulsions

Question 7

What factors assist the absorption of calcium?

5

Answer 7

Vitamin D 
Parathormone 
Oestrogen 
Phosphorus 
Acid environments

Question 8

How does vitamin D assist the absorption of calcium?

Answer 8

Vitamin D stimulates the production of calcium-binding protein, assisting absorption

Question 9

How does parathormone assist the absorption of calcium?

Answer 9

The hormone parathormone which is released from the parathyroid gland, controls the levels of calcium in the blood

Question 10

How does oestrogen assist the absorption of calcium?

Answer 10

The hormone oestrogen produced in the ovaries promotes calcium absorption

Question 11

How does phosphorus assist the absorption of calcium?

Answer 11

Phosphorus combines with calcium, creating calcium phosphate, which is easier to absorb

Question 12

How does an acid environment assist the absorption of calcium?

Answer 12

It promotes calcium absorption through consuming foods high in vitamin C

Question 13

List the factors which hinder the absorption of calcium

6

Answer 13

Tannins 
Excess dietary fibre 
Excess saturated fat 
Excess protein 
Phytic acid 
Oxalic acid

Question 14

How does tannins hinder the absorption of calcium?

Answer 14

Tannins present in tea and coffee bind to calcium, inhibiting absorption

Question 15

How does excess dietary fibre hinder the absorption of calcium?

Answer 15

Excess dietary fibre binds to calcium, inhibiting absorption

Question 16

How does excess saturated fats hinder the absorption of calcium?

Answer 16

Excess saturated fat binds with calcium, creating insoluble and non-absorbable calcium soaps

Question 17

How does excess protein hinder the absorption of calcium?

Answer 17

As the body burns excess protein for energy it produces sulfate which increases the amount of calcium excreted in urine

Question 18

How does phytic acid hinder the absorption of calcium?

Answer 18

Phytic acid in wholegrain bread and seeds binds to calcium which inhibits absorption

Question 19

How does oxalic acid hinder the absorption of calcium?

Answer 19

Oxalic acid in rhubarb and spinach binds to calcium, inhibiting absorption

Question 20

What is the RDA of calcium for children?

Answer 20

800 mg

Question 21

What is the RDA of calcium for adolescents?

Answer 21

1, 200 mg

Question 22

What is the RDA of calcium for adults?

Answer 22

800 mg

Question 23

What is the RDA of calcium for pregnant/lactating women

Answer 23

1,200 mg