Calcium and Phosphorous

Question 1

Not a function of Ca

Answer 1

acid-base balance

Question 2

not a function of Phosphorus

Answer 2

blood clotting

Question 3

Vitamin/ mineral required for enzymatic digestion to release P¿

Answer 3

Zinc

Question 4

not an important function of P in the body

Answer 4

nerve transmission

Question 5

Best type of Ca supplement and why?

Answer 5

Citrate. The acidity allows greater absorption than other forms

Question 6

What is unique about the way phosphate levels are controlled in the body?

Answer 6

Controlled by excretion not absorption. The only mineral where excretion by the kidneys controls levels in the body (reabsorb if levels are low, excrete if they are high)

Question 7

Difference between type 1 osteoporosis and type 2 in terms of sex and age. who is more at risk for each type, what bone is affected + primary causes?

Answer 7

1. Loss of estrogen after menopause in women, and loss of testosterone in men. Trabecular bone loss (F more at risk because of hormone drop)
2. Reduced Ca absorption, + bone mineral loss (>70 years) Both trabecular and cortical bone loss

Question 8

why are phosphorous deficiencies are rare in standard American diet

Answer 8

-rich in protein
-foods with preservatives (phosphoric acid)
-contribute between 300 to 1,000 mg/ day (DRI is 700)

Question 9

Causes + symptoms of hypercalcemia, how can excess Ca affect the body?

Answer 9

-from cancer, excess PTH, too much milk with antacids
-symptoms: GI issues like constipation, fatigue, mental confusion and Ca deposits in soft tissues
-effect: kidney stones + artery calcification
-Ca > 10.5 mg/dL

Question 10

blood Ca not the best indicator of levels in the body? What will happen with dietary deficiency?

Answer 10

-serum levels RARELY vary because of homeostatic control
-dietary deficiency: Ca remains normal because PTH release -> breakdown of bones to release Ca in intestine for reabsorption in kidney

Question 11

how oxalic acid affects Ca absorption, what foods contain it? what mineral absorptions are affected by oxalic acid?

Answer 11

-Ca binds 2 O of oxalic acid -> calcium oxalate-> reduces availability of Ca for absorption in small intestine (insoluble)
-found in vegetables, fruits, nuts and chocolate
-can bind to Ca, Fe, Zn and Mg and reduce absorption in the body

Question 12

symptoms of Ca deficiency in adults and children? difference between osteomalacia and osteoporosis? percentage of women >75 affected?

Answer 12

Ca deficiency in children = rickets
Adults= osteomalacia/ porosis
Osteomalacia = loss of mineral, osteoporosis is loss of mineral AND matrix
90% of women affected

Question 13

why does unleavened bread have limited mineral availability? examples of minerals affected

Answer 13

-phytates bind minerals and prevent them from being biologically available
-diff. in leavened bread is that the fermentation process with moisture and heat liberates them
-Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg