minerals Flashcards
energy value of minerals
minerals have no energy value
purpose of minerals
to regulate metabolism / form body tissues
function of calcium
building bones + teeth / blood clotting
why is adequate calcium intake necessary
to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of future osteoporosis
foods rich in calcium
dairy products / dark green vegetables / soy beans
calcium deficiency disease
rickets in children (bones become soft and bent)
osteoporosis in adults (bone density decreases => bones become weak and fragile)
function of iodine
to maintain the function of the thyroid gland
foods rich in iodine
seafood + seaweed
iodine deficiency disease:
goitre (swollen thyroid gland)
function of iron
produces haemoglobin in red blood cells
foods rich in iron
red meat / liver / nuts / beans / dark green vegetables
iron deficiency disease
anaemia (reduced amount of red blood cells compared to normal => pale skin / tiredness / fainting
how does osteoporosis work
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
can osteoporosis be reversed
it is irreversible but it can be slowed
is all calcium stored in the bones and teeth?
99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth, remaining 1% is stored in blood to help blood coagulation and cardiac muscle contraction
what happens when calcium levels in blood are low?
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
how to strengthen bones
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
