Macrominerals

Question 1

Name the 6 main macrominerals

Answer 1

Magnesium
Potassium
Calcium
Phosphate
Sodium
Chloride

(Macrominerals Prove Considerably Paramount (in a) Salty Constitution

Question 2

Do macrominerals break down or change chemical structure once in the body?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

Can excessive intake of macrominerals be toxic?

Answer 3

Yes, they may accumulate in organs

Question 4

Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus are important in what broad function of the body?

Answer 4

Structural function

Question 5

Sodium, potassium and chloride are important in what broad function of the body?

Answer 5

Electrolyte balance

Question 6

What other chemical is considered to be a macronutrient but is covered by protein intake?

Answer 6

Sulfur

Question 7

What percentage of calcium is in the blood vs bones/teeth?

Answer 7

1% in blood, 99% bones/teeth

(Ca is the most abundant mineral in the body)

Question 8

Accumulation of what heavy metal can interfere with calcium and iron the body?

Answer 8

Lead

Question 9

Good food sources of calcium?

Answer 9

Sardines, tofu, greens

Question 10

Calcium homeostasis is tightly regulated at three levels. What are these levels?

Answer 10

Absorption
(Vit D upregulated transport proteins for Ca)

Storage
(low Ca stimulates PTH secretion which promotes osteoclast activity to release stored Ca from bones and vice versa)

Excretion
(PTH acts on kidneys to increase reabsorption of Ca)

Question 11

Blood calcium levels are regulated by which vitamin and two hormones?

Answer 11

Vitamin D (enhances)

PTH (parathyroid hormone) (stimulates)
Calcitonin (inhibits)

Question 12

Primary functions of calcium?

Answer 12

Bone mineralisation and formation

Blood clotting

(also nerve transmission, cell signalling, muscle contraction)

Question 13

Some food sources of magnesium?

Answer 13

Nuts, legumes, wholegrains, seafood, chocolate

Question 14

Some functions of magnesium?

Answer 14

• bone mineralisation
• muscle contraction

Question 15

Some signs/symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

Answer 15

Fatigue, weakness, confusion, cramps, irregular heart rhythm, sleep problems, constipation

Question 16

Some dietary sources of phosphorous?

Answer 16

Pumpkin seeds, vegemite, dairy, legumes, meats (esp. liver)

Question 17

Signs of phosphorous deficiency (although rare)

Answer 17

Muscular weakness and bone pain

Question 18

Some functions of phosphorous

Answer 18

• bone mineralisation
• form part of phospholipids (cell structure and function)

Question 19

Phosphorous may inhibit the absorption of other minerals by binding with them

Question 20

Absorption of what mineral (alongside calcium) is regulated by vitamin D?

Answer 20

Phosphorous

Question 21

Food sources of sodium

Answer 21

Table salt
Soy sauce
Vegemite

(lots in processed food)

Question 22

Where is salt found within the body (3 main places)

Answer 22

Extracellular fluid
Bone surfaces
Intracellular components of nerve/muscle tissue

Question 23

Some key functions of sodium

Answer 23

• fluid and electrolyte balance
• nerve impulse transmission
• muscle contraction

Question 24

Signs of sodium deficiency (although very rare)

Answer 24

Muscle cramps
Mental apathy
Loss of appetite

Question 25

Food sources of potassium

Answer 25

All whole foods

cacoa powder, nori, sundried tomatoes

Question 26

Functions of potassium

Answer 26

• fluid and electrolyte balance
• activation of sodium-potassium pump
• regulate heartbeat

Question 27

Signs of potassium deficiency

Answer 27

• irrregular heartbeat
• glucose intolerance

Question 28

Food sources of chloride

Answer 28

(usually found with sodium)

Soy sauce, table salt

Question 29

Functions of chloride

Answer 29

• fluid and electrolyte balance
• needed for proper digestion