Major Minerals Flashcards
Sodium function in the body
Primary regulator of the extracellular fluid volume (sodium to water ratio)
acid-base balance
muscle contraction
nerve transmission
Sodium UL
2300 mg/day
DASH Diet
Hypertension diet
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension
Limits cholesterol, promotes fruits and veggies
Not low carb, low sodium instead
Sources of Na
salt, soy sauce, processed foods
Chloride function in the body
Maintains fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balances
Part of hydrochloric acid in gastric fluid
Proper digestion
Cl toxicity symptoms
may cause vomiting
Major source of Cl
Salt, soy sauce, processed foods
What is the principal (+) charged ion inside the cells?
Potassium
Potassium function in the body
Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance and cell integrity
Involved in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction
Distribution inside and outside the cell affects many aspects of homeostasis
Facilitates reactions (making proteins)
Potassium toxicity symptoms
muscular weakness, vomiting
Potassium deficiency symptoms
increased blood pressure, kidney stones, bone turnover, increased salt sensitivity
major: Cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, glucose intolerance
What are the causes of potassium deficiency
Diuretics (Lasix), steroids, cathartics (causes vomiting)
Causes of potassium toxicity
overconsumption of potassium salts or supplements, diseases, or medications
Best sources of potassium
fresh/whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables
Potassium correlation with HTN
Low potassium intakes raise blood pressure
Ample potassium associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
Calcium roles in the body
Integral part of bone structure and serves as a calcium bank
Muscle contraction
nerve functioning
blood clotting
blood pressure
immune defenses
What is a major (-) ion of extracellular fluid?
Chloride
What is the most abundant mineral in the body?
Calcium (bones)
Calcium deficiency symptoms
stunted growth
bone loss
Calcium toxicity symptoms
constipation, increased risk of urinary stones, interference of absorption with other minerals
What is the principal electrolyte in the extracellular fluid?
Sodium
How is bone made of calcium?
Calcium salts form crystals on a collagen matrix
What age is peek bone mass?
10-30 years old
What is the calcium balance?
When blood calcium levels rise too high, it is deposited into bone
Regulatory system to counter low blood calcium by…
- Small intestine absorbs more calcium
- Bones release more calcium into the blood
- Kidneys excrete less calcium
How is blood calcium affected by a chronic dietary deficiency of calcium?
It would show as regular levels because the calcium is regulated in the blood and if there isn’t enough, they will take it from the bones, bone loss
Why is osteoporosis more prevalent in women than in men?
women consume less calcium, loose estrogen after menopause (loose 20% bone mass), less bone mass
Prevention of osteoporosis
adequate calcium and weight-bearing physical activity
Calcium RDA during adolescence
1300 mg
When does RDA for calcium lower?
age 19-50
When does RDA for calcium raise?
women >50
men >70
Sources of calcium
Milk and milk products
Fortified foods
Sardines
tofu
turnip greens
broccoli
What is the most abundant mineral in the body?
Phosphorus
What is the function of phosphorus?
mineralization of bones and teeth
genetic material
energy transfer
buffer systems
Where is phosphorus found?
bones, teeth and all body tissues
Sources of phosphorus
animal protein, milk, cheese
Where is magnesium found in the body?
bones, muscles, heart, liver, and other soft tissues; small amount in body fluids
What is magnesium function?
Functions in enzymes; needed for energy release in cells; required for normal muscle function; bone mineralization
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency
low blood calcium, muscle cramps, and seizures, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing
Magnesium toxicity
caused by high non-food intakes (supplements, magnesium salts)
diarrhea, nausea, abd cramps, acid-base balance
Magnesium in foods
Present in hard water
dark green, leafy vegetables; nuts; legumes; whole-grain breads and cereals; seafood; chocolate and cocoa
Sulfate in the body
Helps shape protein strands (hair, skin, nails)
Sodium Deficiency symptoms
muscle cramps, mental apathy, loss of appetite
Sodium toxicity symptoms
hypertension
Toxicity of phosphorus
calcification of nonskeletal tissues (kidneys)
What is sulfates function?
stabilizes protein shape by forming sulfur-sulfur bridges
