minerals

Question 1

energy value of minerals

Answer 1

minerals have no energy value

Question 2

purpose of minerals

Answer 2

to regulate metabolism / form body tissues

Question 3

function of calcium

Answer 3

building bones + teeth / blood clotting

Question 4

why is adequate calcium intake necessary

Answer 4

to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of future osteoporosis

Question 5

foods rich in calcium

Answer 5

dairy products / dark green vegetables / soy beans

Question 6

calcium deficiency disease

Answer 6

rickets in children (bones become soft and bent)
osteoporosis in adults (bone density decreases => bones become weak and fragile)

Question 7

function of iodine

Answer 7

to maintain the function of the thyroid gland

Question 8

foods rich in iodine

Answer 8

seafood + seaweed

Question 9

iodine deficiency disease:

Answer 9

goitre (swollen thyroid gland)

Question 10

function of iron

Answer 10

produces haemoglobin in red blood cells

Question 11

foods rich in iron

Answer 11

red meat / liver / nuts / beans / dark green vegetables

Question 12

iron deficiency disease

Answer 12

anaemia (reduced amount of red blood cells compared to normal => pale skin / tiredness / fainting

Question 13

how does osteoporosis work

Answer 13

large spaces between bone tissues => bone density decreases => support of the body decreases => the bearing of people’s weight causes compression of bones => people shrink in height

Question 14

can osteoporosis be reversed

Answer 14

it is irreversible but it can be slowed

Question 15

is all calcium stored in the bones and teeth?

Answer 15

99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth, remaining 1% is stored in blood to help blood coagulation and cardiac muscle contraction

Question 16

what happens when calcium levels in blood are low?

Answer 16

when calcium level in blood is low, calcium is released from bones to maintain blood calcium level -> if calcium is continually released -> excessive loss of calcium and decrease in bone density -> weak and fragile bones

Question 17

how to strengthen bones

Answer 17

have a balanced diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin d intake
avoid caffeinated drinks and excessive meat intake
do regular exercise (preferably weight bearing exercises)
avoid smoking and alcohol