Chapter 11 - Minerals

Question 1

State the functions of calcium in the body.

Answer 1

● Calcium is used to build strong bones and teeth

● Needed for normal blood clotting

● Needed for normal functioning of muscles and nerves

Question 2

State two plant sources of calcium.

Answer 2

Watercress, cauliflower

Question 3

Identify two groups of people who require more calcium in their diet.

Answer 3

Teenagers, growing children, elderly

Question 4

Describe the deficiency disease that is associated with a lack of calcium.

Answer 4

A lack of calcium leads to osteoporosis, a bone disease which results in the thinning of bone tissues and loss of bone density over time.

Question 5

Give two minerals that works together to regulate the movement of fluids and minerals in and out of our body cells.

Answer 5

Potassium and sodium chloride

Question 6

Name two animal sources of calcium.

Answer 6

● milk

● yoghurt

● fish with edible bones (ikan bilis)

Question 7

Name a deficiency disease associated with calcium.

Answer 7

Osteoporosis / osteomalcia

Question 8

Give two symptoms of Osteoporosis.

Answer 8

● Weakening of bones , becomes brittle and break
easily

● Loss of bone mass/loss of bone density [1]

Question 9

Explain the function of iodine in a balanced diet.

Answer 9

● Makes hormone thyroxine

● Controls rate at which energy is used / controls rate
of metabolism

Question 10

Name the deficiency disease associated with a lack of iodine.

Answer 10

● Goitre (Swell of the thyroid gland).

● Acne-like lesions on the skin

Question 11

Name two sources of iodine.

Answer 11

● Seafood / salt water fish 
● Seaweed 
● Milk 
● Cheese 
● Green (leafy) vegetables 
● Cod liver oil 
● Iodised salt / iodised water

Question 12

State two reasons for including salt (sodium chloride) in the diet.

Answer 12

● Needed for the control of nerves and muscles.

● Needed for the regulation of fluid in our body.

● Chloride is required for the production of
hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Question 13

Name two groups of people who might require additional salt in their diet.

Answer 13

● Athletes

● Construction workers / Manual workers

Question 14

Give one symptom of a diet deficient in salt.

Answer 14

● Muscle cramps

● Diarrhoea

● Vomiting

● Headache

● Fatigue / tiredness / drowsiness / lethargy

Question 15

Suggest three ways of reducing salt in their diet.

Answer 15

● Use less salt in cooking

● Season food with spices and herbs instead of salt

● Reduce uses of sauces such as soya sauce, oyster
sauce and chilli sauce

● Add less / do not add salt at the table

● Eat less processed foods / fast foods

● Read food labels for salt content to buy products with
lower salt / sodium content

● Do not buy salted products, e.g. bacon / butter /
salted fish

Question 16

Explain the importance of iron in the body.

Answer 16

● Needed for cellular respiration to take place

● Needed to transport oxygen in the body

● Important component of haemoglobin, a red
pigment in blood that carries oxygen

● Important component of myoglobin, a protein
necessary for storing oxygen in muscles

Deficiencies: Anaemia, Abnormal and continuous 
bleeding and poor immune system.

Question 17

Suggest two dishes that are rich in iron.

Answer 17

● Black pepper beef steak

● Egg Benedict

● Stir-fried Kailan

Question 18

Explain the function of Potassium.

Answer 18

● Works with sodium to regulate fluid movement in
and out of body cells.

● Essential for muscle development and nerve
function.

Deficiencies: Osteoporosis

Question 19

Name two sources of potassium.

Answer 19

● Fruit
● Vegetables
● Dairy products 
● Seafood
● Whole-grain food
● Meat

Question 20

Explain the function of Phosphorus.

Answer 20

● Works with calcium and vitamin D to build and
maintain bones and teeth

● Required for the conversion of carbohydrates and
fats into energy

● Helps maintain fluid balance in our body

Deficiencies: Bone loss, stunted growth, Poor dental
health.

Question 21

Name two sources of phosphorus.

Answer 21

● Dairy products
● Meat
● Fish
● Eggs
● Cereals

Question 22

Describe the harmful effects of a diet high in salt.

Answer 22

● Excessive intake of sodium may cause bloating and swelling of body tissues due to water retention in our body

● High salt intake may also lead to hypertension as the heart is forced to work hard and the kidneys are overloaded with having to remove excess salt from the body.

Question 23

Suggest ways to choose food wisely when eating out.

Answer 23

● Ask for less salt and less sugar.

● Choose fresh lean cuts of meat or white meat.

● Order dishes filled with fresh vegetables and
whole-grain cereals.

● Take less sauces or gravy.

● Order beverages with low/no calories or diet drinks.

● Skip dessert or share a portion of dessert with
friends.

Question 24

Describe the harmful effects of a diet high in calcium.

Answer 24

● Formation of kidney stones.

● Prevents the absorption of other minerals.

Question 25

Describe the harmful effects of a diet high in potassium.

Answer 25

Heart attack

Question 26

Describe the harmful effects of a diet high in phosphorus.

Answer 26

● Spasms

● Convulsions.

Question 27

Describe the harmful effects of a diet high in Iron.

Answer 27

● Diarrhoea

● Dizziness

● Rapid heartbeat

● Damage to the heart, liver, kidneys and central
nervous systems.