Chapter 9 - Minerals Flashcards
Describe the bioavailability of minerals
Refers to its availability in food as well as it propensity to be absorbed.
The mineral content of an animal depends on what that animal consumes.
What are phytates
found in plant seeds and are abundant in nuts, legumes, and grains. Impair zinc absorption and calcium absorption
What are oxalates
found in leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds. binds to mineral, forming compounds that cannot be absorbed decreases calcium and iron. Boiling foods high in oxalates can reduce their content
What are tannins
found in tea, coffee, red wine and legumes. Interfere with iron absorption. have been shown to provide antioxidant and cancer reducing properties
What are glucosinolates
found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts and cabbage. Compromise iodine absorption
RDA and UL of calcium
RDA 1000 mg
UL 2500 mg
Calcium functions
- essential for structure and function of the body
- key signalling molecule
Special uses of calcium
- may help with the reduction of colorectal cancer
- may help reduce the risk of CVD
Calcium homeostasis
If calcium levels are too low it can impair the bodies ability to function properly. parathyroid is released (PTH) promoting calcium release from bones (via osteoclasts), decreases calcium excretion at the kidneys, and promotes activation of vitamin D at the kidneys (promotes absorption of calcium in the small intestine
however, if levels are to high it can deposit in tissues hardening them and damaging them. Calcitonin impairs otesoclasts, promotes calcium excretion at kidneys and decreases calcium absorption in the small intestine
Sources of calcium
Diary products eggs, canned fish with bones, fortified milk alternatives, and leafy green vegetables
Calcium deficiency
- decrease in bone density
- osteoporosis
Calcium toxicity
- Abdominal pain
- bone pain and mental confusion
- can be fatal
RDA and UL of phosphorus
RDA 700mg
UL 4000 mg
Phosphorus functions
- found in hydroxyapatite, a crystal that contains both calcium and phosphorus –> mineralizes bones and teeth
- key part o ATP, DNA, and RNA
Sources of phosphorus
Animal product such as salmon, cheese, milk, eggs, and beef and plant products such as boiled lentils, cashews, potatoes, kidney beans, rice and oatmeal
Phosphorus deficiency
- increase risk of osteoporosis, seizures, and coma
- Symptoms anorexia, muscle weakness, anemia, and increased risk of infection
Phosphorus toxicity
rare
hardening of tissues
AI and UL of sodium
AI 1500 mg
UL 2300 mg
Sodium functions
- key electrolyte –> primary cation of the extracellular space
- contributes to fluid balance
Sources of sodium
sodium is typically added to processed foods –> smoked, cured and salted animal products, canned entrees, salted nuts, and prepackaged foods
- Salt
Sodium toxicity
hypoatremia which typically arises due to excessive vomiting, sweating or diarrhea
symptoms: nausea, vomitting irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, muscle weakness and spasm
Sodium toxicity
- excessive loss of body water which concentrates the amount of sodium in the body –> results in thirst, weakness, nausea and loss of appetite
- can progress to confusion, muscle twitching and brain hemorrhages
- Increases risk of hypertension –< high BP
AI of potassium
3400mg men
2600 mg women
Potassium functions
- Main ion in the intracellular space
Potassium special uses
promotes lower blood pressure
Potassium sorces
abundant in many whole foods but is often removed during food processing
- dried apricots, lentils, squash, potatoes, kidney beans, bananas, dairy products and salmon are all high in potassium
Potassium deficiency
no obvious symptoms: weakness, or cramps
- low blood potassium may increase risk of irregular heart rhythm –> slower heart rate and risk of cardiac arrest
- typically caused by excessive vomiting, diarrhea or certain medications
AI and UL of chloride
AI 2300 mg
UL 3600 mg
Functions of chloride
brings a negative charged ion that maintains fluid balance
- helps form hydrochloric acid
Sources of chloride
table salt, vegetables including seaweed, tomatoes, lettuce and celery
chloride deficiency
rare
- may be causes by respiratory issues, vomiting, and kidney malfunction
- may experience difficulty breathing, diarrhea and vomiting
Chloride toxicity
asymptomatic
RDA and UL of magnesium
400-420 mg men
310-320 mg women
L 350 mg - from supplements
Functions of magnesium
- cofactor for more than 600 enzymes
- involved in enzymatic reactions including energy metabolism, and protein synthesis
- Helps DNA and RNA form their three-dimensional structure
- healthy brain development and maintaining a healthy heart