Minerals

Question 1

Calcium

Answer 1

Function: Bone health, muscle function.
Sources: Dairy, leafy greens.
High Intake:
Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, and soft tissue calcification.
Low Intake:
Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, leading to fragile bones.

Question 2

Magnesium

Answer 2

Function: Muscle function, nerve transmission, energy production.
Sources: Nuts, seeds, whole grains.
High Intake:
Diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, in severe cases.
Low Intake:
Muscle cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeat.

Question 3

Potassium

Answer 3

Function: Fluid balance, nerve signals, muscle contractions.
Sources: Bananas, potatoes, spinach.
High Intake:
Hyperkalemia, leading to dangerous heart rhythms or cardiac arrest.
Low Intake:
Muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias

Question 4

Iron

Answer 4

Function: Oxygen transport in the blood.
Sources: Red meat, beans, fortified cereals.
High Intake:
Hemochromatosis, leading to liver damage, heart issues, and diabetes.
Low Intake:
Iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.

Question 5

ZInc

Answer 5

Function: Immune function, wound healing.
Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes.
High Intake:
Interferes with copper absorption, impairing immune function.
Low Intake:
Impaired immunity, delayed wound healing, loss of taste or smell.

Question 6

Salts (Sodium)

Answer 6

Function: Fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle contractions.
Sources: Table salt, processed foods, sauces.
High Intake:
Hypertension (high blood pressure), leading to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Low Intake:
Hyponatremia (low sodium levels), causing muscle cramps, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures.