Minerals Flashcards
Plays a role in structural integrity of skeleton, makes up bone tissue, and is essential for skeletal muscle contraction.
Calcium
Essential nutrient must be consumed sufficiently to prevent degradation of bone tissue and development of osteoporosis. Body has elaborate system of feedback loops to regulate absorption of this mineral.
Calcium
Found in milk, yogurt, cheese, sardines, dark green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and grains, and soybeans
Calcium
Trace mineral implicated in regulating insulin signaling. Deficiency is not well documented. One of the most abundant minerals on earth
Chromium
Found in green leafy vegetables, potatoes, green beans, whole-grains, beef, poultry, fruits, milk, cheese, and yogurt
Chromium
Essential mineral that helps balance redox (reduction-oxidation) system in the body. Although exceedingly rare, deficiencies may result in Menkes disease (seizures, brain atrophy, and hypotonia) which can be corrected with early supplementation
Copper
Nonessential mineral considered beneficial for preventing cavities. Higher doses may result in mottled and pitted tooth enamel, and in extreme cases damage bones. Insufficiency and toxicity of this mineral are both rare.
Fluoride
Trace mineral that is critical to maintain proper thyroid function, and functions as precursor to thyroid hormones. Although uncommon now, ______ deficiency causes goiter and hypothyroidism.
Iodine
Mineral involved in hundreds of metabolic processes, with the storing, transporting, and delivery of oxygen via hemoglobin and myoglobin being the most important. Also involved in electron transport chain and neurotransmitter production.
Iron
Deficiency in _____ is primary cause of anemia, a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen. Research shows supplementation can improve athletic performance only if one is deficient. Performance beyond that will not be improved.
Iron
Mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, from digestion to nervous system activity to glucose regulation and protein synthesis. Also conjugated to ATP, involved in the metabolism of carbs, proteins, and fats, and in ion channels that regulate calcium flux and potassium flux across membranes.
Magnesium
Supplementation has been shown to improve glucose metabolism and markers of insulin sensitivity. Also lowers LDLs and raises HDLs in those with Type 2 diabetes
Magnesium
Found in beef, shellfish, organ meats, spinach, legumes, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables, and quinoa
Iron
Found in whole grains, quinoa, spinach, nuts, seeds, beans, cocoa
Magnesium
Trace element that has no necessary function and is highly toxic. Largest dietary source is from seafood. As one goes up the food chain, these larger fish contain more of this mineral.
Mercury