Chapter 8 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What are the functions of water in the body?
Transport
Solvent
Cleansing agent
Lubricant/cushion
Protection
Maintains body temp
Explain the process of thirst
• When the blood becomes too concentrated, or BP too low, the hypothalamus initiates thirst
• Pituitary gland is signalled to release hormone ~> causes kidney to shift water back to bloodstream
What is the DRI of water?
Male: 13 cups
Female: 9 cups
*remaining water is consumed through food
What are the types of water?
Hard water: high in Ca and Mg
- may protect against hypertension and heart disease
Soft water: high in Na
- may aggravate hypertension and heart disease
- may more easily dissolve certain contaminants
What are electrolytes?
Compounds that partly dissociate in water to form ions
> when ions are present in unequal concentrations, the water will flow to the more concentrated side
What are examples of situations that can create electrolyte imbalance in the body?
Vomiting or diarrhea
What are the 7 major minerals?
Ca - calcium
P - phosphorus
K - potassium
S - sulphur
Na - sodium
Cl - chloride
Mg - magnesium
What are some functions of calcium?
• transports ions
• nerve transmission
• maintenance of BP
• muscle contraction
• blood clotting
• secretion of hormones, enzymes, and nt
• activation of cellular enzymes
What are some functions of phosphorus?
• maintenance of acid-base balance
• part of DNA & RNA
• metabolism of energy-containing nutrients
• structural in phospholipids
• present in some proteins
What are some functions of magnesium?
• assists with operation of enzymes
• release, use energy from nutrients
• forms part of protein-making structures
• proper muscle functions
• resistance of tooth decay
What can magnesium deficiency lead to?
Weakness, confusion, uncontrollable muscle contractions, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, growth failure
What are some functions of sodium?
> chief ion used to maintain fluid volume in ECF
maintenance of acid-base balance
essential for muscle contractions
essential for nerve transmission
What problems can excess sodium intake cause?
> increases calcium excretion
may stress a weakened heart
may aggravate kidney problems
when TOXIC: hypertension
What are some functions of potassium?
> chief positive ion used to maintain ICF volume
maintains electrolyte balance
maintains cell integrity
critical to maintaining heartbeat
What can low potassium intake lead to?
> worsen hypertension
cause impaired glucose tolerance
increase metabolic acidity
accelerate Ca loss from bones
increased likelihood of kidney stone formation
What are some functions of chloride?
> helps maintain
What is the main function of sulfate in the body?
Synthesis of important sulfur-containing compounds
What is the main function of iodine in the body, and the main food source?
Part of thyroxine (thyroid hormone)
Can be found in seafood, or also added into salt, milk, etc
What can occur when deficient in iodine?
> thyroid gland enlarges, known as goitre
sluggish
a common and preventative cause of mental impairment
What are the functions of iron in the body?
A part of hemoglobin (RBC) and myoglobin (muscle)
Energy metabolism
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. What are the physical symptoms?
- weakness
- headaches
- pallor
- intolerance to cold
- pica
What is the most common nutrient deficiency? What can cause it?
Iron deficiency
It can be caused by:
- malnutrition
- parasitic infections
- blood loss
_____ is the #1 cause of fatal poisoning for children <6 years.
Acute iron poisoning
What are the best sources of iron?
Meat, eggs, legumes
