Minerals

Question 1

Inorganic elements

Answer 1

Originate in earth and cannot be made by living organisms (plants to this)

Does not contain carbon

Question 2

Organic compounds

Answer 2

Contains carbon

Bonds to inorganic compounds

Question 3

Macro minerals (large amounts needed)

Answer 3

Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Sulphur

Question 4

Trace minerals (small amounts needed)

Answer 4

Iron
Zinc
Iodine
Selenium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Copper
Chromium
Boron
Fluoride
Silicon

Question 5

Minerals as components of organic compounds

Answer 5

Phospholipids (cell membrane)

Phosphoproteins (protein attached to phosphate group)

Metalloenzymes (zinc, required for alcohol dehydrogenase)

Metalloproteins (eg Hb)

Question 6

Mineral absorption

Answer 6

In the GIT (mainly in small intestine) in their ionic state (except iron)

Must be unbound from organic compound with help of digestive secretions (eg stomach acid) before being utilised by body

Question 7

Key functions of minerals

Answer 7

Building of tissue

Nerve and muscle function

Thyroid health (supporting metabolism)

Supporting immune health

Components of enzymes

Question 8

Factors affecting mineral bioavailability

Answer 8

Mineral status in body (if deficient, up regulates, if excess, down regulated)

Substances present in food (eg with iron: can enhance - eg VIT C, or inhibit - eg phylates)

Other minerals present in food (can complete for absorption - eg Fe reduced Zn)

Question 9

Mineral supplements

Answer 9

Challenges with mineral supplements include:
Tolerability
Bioavailability
Chemical reactivity

Organic:
Citrate
Ascorbate
Gluconate
Glycinate

Inorganic:
Oxide
Carbonate
Sulphide
Chloride