major minerals

Question 1

what are the 5 major minerals?

Answer 1

-calcium
-magnesium
-phosphorus
-potassium
-sodium

Question 2

what are 4 sources of calcium?

Answer 2

-tinned sardines
-fortified breakfast cereals
-dark green leafy veg
-milk products

Question 3

what are the four functions of calcium?

Answer 3

-formation and development of bones and teeth
-essential for the clotting of blood
-necessary for the normal functioning of muscles and nerves in the body (nerve impulses)
-helps muscles contract and helps our bodies release hormones

Question 4

what is bone made of?

Answer 4

-composite material made of cartilage and calcium phosphate
-cartilage forms a network on which the calcium phosphate is deposited this hardens the skeleton

Question 5

how much of the calcium is absorbed from the insestine? where is most of the calcium stored?

Answer 5

-one third
-99% is stored in the bones and teeth

Question 6

what are 3 factors that enhance the absorption of calcium?

Answer 6

-vitamin d helps with the absorption of calcium as it causes the synthesis of a calcium binding protein in the intestinal cells, it also supports the release of calcium form bones when needed and reduces the amount lost in the urine
-lactose enhances calcium absorption by keeping it in soluble form
-absorption increases when diet is low in calcium

Question 7

what are 4 factors that inhibit the absorption of calcium?

Answer 7

-phytates (bran of cereals) and oxalates acids (rhubarb and spinach) react with calcium and make it unavailable to the body
-unabsorbed fats will combine with calcium to form soaps removing calcium form the body
-NSP may trap some calcium thus preventing absorption in the small intestine
-a diet high in salt can also reduce the absorption of calcium as calcium is used to get rid of excess salt in through the urine

Question 8

the intake of what vitamin is necessary to prevent the deficiency of calcium

Answer 8

-vitamin d

Question 9

what is the disease likely to occur due to a deficiency of calcium in kids? what are the symptoms of this?

Answer 9

-rickets
-soft, weak bones which causes stunted growth and bowing of the legs

Question 10

what is the disease likely to occur due to a deficiency of calcium in adults? what are the symptoms of this? what is the diesase that can occur from a prolonged deficiency of calcium?

Answer 10

-osteomalacia
-softening and weakening of the bones
-over a long period of time a deficiency can lead to osteoporosis where bones fracture and break easily

Question 11

what is the disease likely to occur due to a deficiency of calcium in older people

Answer 11

-osteoporosis

Question 12

what happens due to osteoporosis?

Answer 12

-calcium is gradually lost from the bones which therefore are more likely to fracture easily

Question 13

what is peak bone mass mean and what age is most likely to achieve peak bone mass?

Answer 13

-peak bone mass is when bone are that their most dense
-occurs between age 35-40

Question 14

how can osteoporosis be prevented?

Answer 14

-diet rich in vitamin d, calcium and regular exercise

Question 15

what are 5 sources of magnesium?

Answer 15

-green vegetables
-milk
-nuts
-fish
-meat

Question 16

what are the five functions of magnesium?

Answer 16

-found together with calcium and phosphorus in bones and teeth (supports bone structure)
-muscle contract
-carries nerve impulses around the body
-helps form our DNA and RNA
-helps maintain our energy levels

Question 17

why might a deficiency of magnesium occur? what are symptoms of a deficiency of magnesium?

Answer 17

-during bouts of diarrhoea, may also occur due to kidney or gastrointestinal diseases
-if intake of magnesium is already low the body conserves magnesium by reducing the amount excreted via the kidneys
-symptoms of a deficiency of magnesium are muscle cramps, weakness and diarrhoea

Question 18

what happens due to an excess intake of magnesium? why might excess magnesium be consumed?

Answer 18

-raised blood levels of magnesium
-associated with adverse effects
-over supplementation may result in diarrhoea
-we should consume no more then 250mg per day of magnesium

Question 19

what are 5 sources of phosphorus?

Answer 19

-red meat
-fish
-dairy products
-bread
-fortified breakfast cereals

Question 20

what are 5 functions of phosphorus ?

Answer 20

-forms and keeps strong bones and teeth with calcium
-forms our genetic material DNA and RNA
-needed for the production of phospholipids in cell membranes
-helps oxygen delivery in the body
-needed for the normal functioning of out brian and nervous system

Question 21

is deficiency of phosphorous common? why might someone be deficient in phosphorus and what are the symptoms of this?

Answer 21

-no
-a deficiency is related to specific metabolic disorders
-in severe cases it can cause bones to become weak and brittle, leading to rickets or osteomalacia

Question 22

what can result of a very high intake of phosphorus?

Answer 22

-high intakes are dangerous for those who have kidney disease as is causes the accumulation of phosphorus in the blood
-over time it can lead to bone loss

Question 23

what vitamins does phosphorus work with?

Answer 23

-calcium and vitamin D to form healthy teeth and bones

Question 24

what are four sources of potassium?

Answer 24

-banana
-wholegrains
-nuts
-milk

Question 25

what are the five functions of potassium?

Answer 25

-regulate fluid and electrolyte balance
-helps digest our food
-activates impulses throughout the nervous system
-decreases blood pressure
-helps muscles to contract

Question 26

what is the disease that can arise from a deficiency of potassium?what are 3 symptoms of a deficiency of potassium?

Answer 26

-hypokalaemia which is usually caused by pre exisiting kidney disease
-weakness
-diarrhoea
-confusion

Question 27

what is a deficiency of potassium called?

Answer 27

-hypokalaemia

Question 28

what is the disease called when there is an excess of potassium in the blood?

Answer 28

-hyperkalaemia which is caused by the kidneys not functioning properly and so they cannot get rid of a surplus of potassium
-symptoms of this are non specific

Question 29

what are factors that help and inhibit the absorption of potassium?

Answer 29

-acts along with sodium and chloride to help regulate fluid levels
-factors that inhibit its absorption include, excessive alcohol, too much caffeine and certain medications

Question 30

what are 5 sources of sodium?

Answer 30

-canned vegetables
-processed meats
-pickled vegetables
-cheese
-soy sauce

Question 31

what are the four functions of sodium?

Answer 31

-regulating body water and electrolyte content
-regulates blood pressure
-carries nerve impulses
-helps muscles contract

Question 32

how is sodium levels controlled in the body?

Answer 32

-homeostatic conditions

Question 33

what are 4 circumstances that might cause a deficiency of sodium?

Answer 33

-excess sweating due to exercise in a hot environment
-diarrhoea
-renal failure
-drug intake

Question 34

what are 3 symptoms of a deficiency of sodium?

Answer 34

-low blood pressure
-dehydration
-muscular cramps

Question 35

what may occur due to an excess intake of sodium?

Answer 35

-high blood pressure which is a risk factor for CVD and stroke
-increased risk of developing stomach cancer

Question 36

what is oedema and why is it dangerous for young babies?

Answer 36

-excess fluid in the tissues
-babies cannot excrete excess sodium and they should therefore not be given salty foods

Question 37

how is the bioavailability of sodium affected?

Answer 37

-potassium intake increases amount of sodium excreted by urination
-high amounts of sodium can impair absorption of calcium as calcium is used to remove high amounts of sodium