Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus Flashcards
Where is most calcium located?
bone and teeth
What are the major functions of calcium?
-bone and tooth structure
-blood clotting
-muscle contraction
-secretion of PTH and calcitonin
-BP regulation
What is the relationship between vitamin D and calcium?
Vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium in the small intestine. Without Vit. D the body can not absorb calcium effectively.
What is the relationship between vitamin D and vitamin K?
Activates proteins that bind calcium to bone.
What nutrients are antagonist for calcium?
-iron
-sodium
-caffeine
-phytic acid
-oxalates
What is the relationship between calcium and magnesium?
Mg is needed for the proper utilization of calcium. It helios convert vitamin D into its active form, which is necessary for calcium absorption.
What is the relationship between calcium and phosphorus?
Needed to make bone (need balance of the ration between calcium and phosphorus).
What are enhancers for calcium?
D3, Mg, B6, K, protein, lactose, PTH, calcitonin
Signs and symptoms of calcium def.?
-Muscle twitching
-Muscle cramps
-Tetany (seizures)
how much calcium needed 9-18?
1300 mg
how much calcium needed 19-50?
1000mg
how much calcium needed for women 51 and over?
1200 mg
how much is needed for men 51 and over?
1000mg
How much calcium is needed for pregnant or lactating?
1300 mg (14-18 years) or 1000 mg (19-50 years)
What is phytic acid?
-found in plant based foods
-binds to calcium and forms insoluble complexes which then causes a reduction in the absorption of calcium
What are oxalates and how do they inhibit calcium absorption?
-compounds found in spinach
-can inhibit calcium absorption
What effects do corticosteroids and anticonvulsants have on calcium?
reduce calcium metabolism and absorption
What are the physical signs of low calcium?
-muscle twitching
-muscle cramps
-tetany or seizures
How can calcium effect HIV inhibitor medication?
HIV inhibitors should not be taken with calcium supplementation (will decrease effectiveness of drug)
How does calcium carbonate supplement effect levothyroxine or thyroid medication?
-Can not be taken together
-CA will interfere with absorption of medication
What is the connection between lithium and calcium?
Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorders. If taken for a long time, it can lead to hypercalcemia.
Should antibiotics be taken at the same time as calcium supplementations?
No
What are the other more serious symptoms of calcium deficiency?
-Osteopenia
-Cramps
-Periodontitis
-Tremors, seizures
-Insomnia
-Hypertension
-Irritability
-Anxiety
-Brittle nails
What are the diseases connected to calcium?
-Osteoporosis
-Rickets in children
-Hypocalcemia–low calcium levels
-Hypercalcemia-high calcium levels
What are the most common calcium supplements?
calcium carbonate and calcium citrate
What is the difference between calcium carbonate and calcium citrate?
calcium carbonate needs stomach acid to effectively work, which means it needs to be taken with food.
What does ionized calcium lab assessments test?
Measures the concentration of free or ionized calcium in the blood. Shows the most active form of calcium present.
What protein is bound to calcium?
protein albumin
Common food sources of calcium?
-Yogurt and other dairy products
-Orange juice
-Sardines
-Salmon
-Spinach
-Kale
What groups are at risk for calcium inadequacy?
-Menopausal women–>Due decrease in estrogen production then decreased calcium absorption and increased urinary calcium excretion.
-Individuals who avoid dairy products
Where is magnesium stored?
60% in bone and 40% in soft tissue
What are the functions of magnesium?
-300 + enzyme functions (such as protein synthesis, muscle/nerve function)
-Blood glucose control
-Blood pressure regulation
-Neuromuscular
-Hormone metabolism
-Heart, bone and calcium support
-ATP
-Supports RNA DNA
What excretes excess magnesium?
kidneys
