Minerals Flashcards
How are minerals classified?
divided into 2 groups: the Macro elements and the trace elements
What are macroelements? List them
These are required in amounts of more that 100mgs per day and include: 1. sodium,
2. potassium,
3. chloride,
4. calcium,
5. phosphorous,
6. magnesium and
7. sulphur.
Deficiency of macro elements can be fatal.
What are trace elements? List them
These are required in amounts of less that 100mgs per day and include:
1. chromium,
2. cobalt,
3. copper,
4. iodine,
5. iron,
6. manganese,
7. molybedium and
8. selenium
Describe the chemical structure of sodium
It exists in the form of Sodium chloride or Sodium Bicarbonate
Describe the metabolic roles of sodium
it is the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid
Sodium plays an important role in the following;
- Membrane function-in maintaining the Sodium potassium pump.
- Fluid balance- maintaining the osmotic pressure of the extrcellular fluid.
- Acid-base balance
- Maintaining the viscosity of blood
State the recommended daily requirements and the sources of sodium
Recommended daily requirements: 1 -3.5grams /day
Sources: Widely distributed in most food stuffs, more in animals than plants
Describe the clinical feature associated with sodium
The normal plasma concentration of Sodium is 140mmols/L
i). Hypernatremia
This occurs when the Sodium concentration is more than the normal. This could be life threatening if not treated and the causes include dehydration, diabetes insipidus( due to deficiency of anti diuretic hormone produced from the pituitary) and excess sodium intake
Describe the chemical structures and metabolic role of potassium
Chemical structure:
It exists in the form of potassium chloride.
Metabolic role:
It is the major intracellular cation. Once absorbed, it is excreted in the GIT in the saliva, gastric, pancreatic and intestinal juices and bile. It plays a role in muscular activity, acid-base balance and cardiac functions. It also plays a role as a cofactor in the pyruvate kinase enzyme in glycolysis
State the recommended daily requirements and the sources of potassium
Recommended Daily Requirements: 1.5gram/day
Sources.
It is found in most food stuffs
Describe the clinical conditions associated with potassium
Clinical conditions.
Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia. Both conditions are life threatening,
i) Hyperkalemia occurs in kidney failure due to a decrease in the secretion of potassium and in diabetes mellitus due to loss of intracellular potassium to the ECF.
ii) Hypokalemia is commonly due to lose of potassium in the GIT secretions in prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. The use of diuretics like thiazides also causes hypokalemia.
Describe the chemical structure and metabolic role of chloride
Chemical structure.
It exists in the form of sodium chloride.
Metabolic role.
Production of HCL and in the chloride shift which is the exchange of bicarbonate ion and the chloride ion in the lungs during respitation
State the recommended daily requirements and the sources of chloride
Recommended daily requirement
1 to 3.5grams/ day which is similar to sodium
Sources: Widely distributed in animal food such as milk, cheese, eggs and is found in plant sources such as beans, lentils, vegetable like cabbage
Describe the chemical structure and metabolic role of calcium
Chemical structure.
It exists in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.
Metabolic role.
Most of the Calcium is in in the bones and teeth. Total calcium in the body is about 100-170grams in the form of calcium phosphate. The plasma levels are 9-11 mg /100mls.There are 3 types in the body. Ionised form, bound to proteins and complex calcium. 40% is in the ionized form.
In the diet, Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium though the production of calcium binding proteins.
Calcium is important in the calcification of bones and teeth, in bleed coagulation and muscle contraction
State the recommended daily requirements and the sources of calcium
Recommended daily requirements.
1.5 grams/day
Sources. Milk and milk products. Organ meat, eggs, and nuts.
What clinical condition is associated with calcium?
Rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults
