Minerals Flashcards
Water in the body
is the most important nutrient for life
what makes up what percentage of body weight?
60%
Intracellular fluid
2/3 of the water in the body; fluid inside the cells
Extracellular fluid
1/3 of the water in the body; fluid outside of the cell
intersitial fluid
fluid that surrounds the outside of the cell and DOES NOT circulate
plasma
fluid part of blood & lymph - contains NO cells
solutes
dissolved substances such as protein
osmosis
the unassisted diffusion of water across the cell membrane
blood pressure
will also move water - amount of force exerted the blood against the walls of the arteries
how do we obtain water?
primarily through digestion
water loss
excretion in urine and feces - evaporation from from the skin and lungs
Exception
vomiting and diarrhea
dehydration
major cause of death in children in developing countries
hypothalamus
initiates thirst impulses
kidneys
recognize when the blood is too concetrates and it secretes hormones aldosterone
being thirsty is one of the first signs of
dehydration
water acts as a lubricant for
eyes and tissue and organs
water provides cushioning and acts as a shock absorber
joints
eyes
spinal
fetus in the mothers womb
water prevents and alleviates constipation
aids in moving food through the GI tract
soften fecal matter
water effects temperature regulation
perspiration
dehydration
state that occurs when there is not enough water is present to meet the body needs
water intoxication
water intakes is greater than water loss
hyponatremia
abnormally low concentration of sodium in the blood
the amount of water needed depends on
activity
caffeinated beverages
increase water loss - act as a diuretic
Minerals
is an element needed by the body to maintain structure and regulate chemical reactions
Major Minerals
sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur
Trace Minerals
iron, copper, zinc, selenium, iodine, chromium, fluoride, magnese, molybdenum
how to obtain minerals
from both plant and animals sources
mineral loss through
- cooking food
- removing skins of fruits and vegetables
- removal of bran and germ from whole grains
minerals in our food
can be foritifed
Mineral Bioavailability
the extent to which the body can absorb and use a nutrient
Phytates
found in whole grains, bran and soy products
tannins
found in tea and grains - can hinder the absorption of iron
oxalates
found in spinach, beet greens, and chocolate
- interfere with the absorption of fiber
can a mineral interfere with the absorption of another mineral?
YES
Ions
an atom that carries a positive charge
electrolyte
are positively or negatively chaged ions that conducts as electrical current
sodium
most abundant positively charged extracellular ion
potassium
positively charged intracellular ion
chloride
principle negatively charged extracellular ions
electrolytes help regulate fluid balance
concentration of electrolytes determine their distribution
electrolytes are essential for generating and conducting of nerve impulses
Na and K ions can’t move freely across the membrane
what regulate electrolyte balance?
the kidnye
sodium
helps maintain fluid balance, acid base balance, is needed for much contractions and nerve transmissions
sodium chloride
positive ion compund
depletion of electrolytes is caused by
heavy sweating
chronic diarrhea
kidney disorders
occurence
endurance athletes are susceptible to developing hyponatremia
potassium
main positively charger ion of intracellular fluid
functions of potassium
maintain the integrity of the cell
needed for fluid balance
needed for nerve transmission
needed for the contraction of muscle including the heart
there is a concern with potassium because it is a __________ with certain medication
diuretic
low intakes of potassium
raise blood pressure
accelerate calcium losses from the bone
benefits of high potassium
could present and correct hypertension
chloride
it plays important roles as major negatively charged ion in the body
functions
helps maintain fluid / electrolyte balance and acid/base balance
calcium roles
serves as a structural component
it serves as a “bank” that can release calcium if blood calcium concentration levels drop
calcium
is calcium the most abundant mineral in the body?
YES
99% of calcium is found where?
bones and teeth
ages for peak bone mass
16 -30
parathyroid hormone
causes calcium to be released from bones
triggers the kideys to pull some calcium out of the urine
aids in the absorption from the small intestines
calcitonin
(made in thyroid gland)
secreted when blood calcium is TOO HIGH
stops bones from releasing calcium
signals kidneys to excrete some of the excess in urine
osteoporosis
bone disorder characterized by reduced bone mass
risk factors for developing osteoporosis
gender, advanced age, decreased estrogen or testosterone, genetics, poor calcium & vitamin D intakes
best to obtain calcium from….
food sources
phosphorus
2nd most abundant mineral in the body
85% of the body’s phosphorus
is combined with calcium in bones and teeth
phosphorus is a component of
DNA & RNA and phospholipids
phosphorus assists many enzymes & vitamins in ….
extracting energy from energy yeilding nutrients
magnesium
barely qualifies as a major mineral
50-60% of the boydy’s magnesium is found in the
bones
along with Ca, P, and F, Mg is needed for
mineralization of bone
low intakes of magnesium
associated with a risk of developing osteoporosis
high intakes of magnesium
associated with lower blood pressure and decreased risk of developing heart disease
magnesium absorption is enhanced by
active Vitamin D
sulfur is a component of two vitamins
thiamin and biotin
sulfur helps with
acid/base balance
