Minerals

Question 1

Calcium

1. Ion
2. Sources
3. Functions
4. Effect of deficiency

Answer 1

1. Ca2+
2. Milk, dairy products, fish, leafy vegetables
3. • component of bones and teeth
     - plays a role in muscle contraction
     - necessary for clotting of blood
4. • Ineffective clotting of blood
     - rickets

Question 2

Sodium

1. Ion
2. Sources
3. Functions
4. Effect of deficiency

Answer 2

1. Na+
2. Table salts, many food types
3. • Regulates water balance in body fluids
     - muscle contraction
4. Muscle cramps

Question 3

Iodine

1. Ion
2. Sources
3. Functions
4. Effect of deficiency

Answer 3

1. I-
2. Sea food, iodised salt, vegetables grown in iodine rich soil
3. Part of hormone thyroxin
4. • Goitre (abnormally large thyroid gland)
     - cretinism in children

Question 4

Zinc

1. Ion
2. Sources
3. Functions
4. Effect of deficiency

Answer 4

1. Zn2+
2. Meat, fish, milk, yogurt, mushrooms
3. • important co-factor
     - growth and reparations of tissue
     - brain development of foetus
4. Cognitive ability can be affected

Question 5

Magnesium

1. Ion
2. Sources
3. Functions
4. Effect of deficiency

Answer 5

1. Mg2+
2. Nuts, raisins, almonds, yeast
3. • Muscle functioning
     - conducting of nerve impulses
4. • Muscle cramps
     - insomnia
     - constipation
     - high blood pressure

Question 6

Phosphorus

1. Ion
2. Sources
3. Functions
4. Effect of deficiency

Answer 6

1. P4 3-
2. Meat, dairy products
3. Structural component of bone, part of ATP, RNA, DNA. Part of phospholipids
4. Abnormal functioning of muscles and nervous system