Minerals Flashcards
Q: What are minerals?
A: Minerals are inorganic elements that are essential for various bodily functions, such as forming bones and teeth, regulating body fluids, and contributing to metabolic processes.
Q: How are minerals categorized?
A: Minerals are categorized as macrominerals (required in larger amounts) and microminerals (trace elements required in smaller amounts).
Q: What are examples of macrominerals?
A: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur.
Q: What are examples of microminerals (trace elements)?
A: Iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, fluoride, and chromium.
Q: What is the primary function of calcium in the body?
A: Calcium is essential for bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.
Q: What are food sources of calcium?
A: Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), leafy greens (broccoli, kale), fortified foods, and fish with bones (sardines, salmon).
Q: What role does phosphorus play in the body?
A: Phosphorus is involved in the formation of bones and teeth, and it helps the body use carbohydrates and fats. It is also essential for ATP production and energy metabolism.
Q: What are common sources of phosphorus?
A: Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Q: What is magnesium’s role in the body?
A: Magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and the production of protein, bone, and DNA.
Q: What are good dietary sources of magnesium?
A: Leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
Q: What is sodium’s function in the body?
A: Sodium helps maintain fluid balance, supports nerve transmission, and aids in muscle contraction.
Q: What are dietary sources of sodium?
A: Table salt, processed foods, soy sauce, and naturally occurring in vegetables and dairy.
Q: Why is potassium important?
A: Potassium is essential for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function, including heart function.
Q: What foods are high in potassium?
A: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes.
Q: What is the role of chloride in the body?
A: Chloride helps maintain fluid balance, aids in digestion by forming stomach acid (HCl), and supports nerve and muscle function.
Q: What are dietary sources of chloride?
A: Table salt, seaweed, tomatoes, olives, and celery.
Q: What is the function of sulfur in the body?
A: Sulfur is important for the structure of proteins and enzymes and plays a role in the detoxification processes.
Q: What foods provide sulfur?
A: Protein-rich foods like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and dairy products.
Q: What is the main function of iron in the body?
A: Iron is crucial for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood, and myoglobin in muscles.
Q: What are good sources of iron?
A: Red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals.
Q: Why is zinc important?
A: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy products, and whole grains.
Q: What is the primary function of iodine in the body?
A: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Q: What are dietary sources of iodine?
A: Iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and seaweed.
Q: What is selenium’s role in the body?
A: Selenium is a key component of antioxidant enzymes, which protect cells from damage. It also supports immune function and thyroid health.
Q: What function does copper serve in the body?
A: Copper helps with iron absorption, the formation of red blood cells, and maintaining healthy bones, blood vessels, and nerves.
Q: What is the role of manganese in the body?
A: Manganese helps in bone formation, blood clotting, and reducing inflammation. It also supports metabolism by activating enzymes.
Q: Why is fluoride important?
A: Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents dental cavities. It also supports the maintenance of bone structure.
Q: What is the role of chromium in the body?
A: Chromium enhances the action of insulin and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Q: What are dietary sources of chromium?
A: Broccoli, potatoes, whole grains, beef, and poultry.
Q: What can a calcium deficiency lead to?
A: A deficiency in calcium can cause osteoporosis, brittle bones, and dental issues.
Q: What can a calcium deficiency lead to?
A: A deficiency in calcium can cause osteoporosis, brittle bones, and dental issues.
Q: What are the consequences of iodine deficiency?
A: Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter (enlarged thyroid) and developmental issues in children.
Q: What are the risks of excess sodium intake?
A: Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Q: What happens with too much fluoride intake?
A: Excess fluoride can cause dental fluorosis (discoloration of teeth) and skeletal fluorosis.
Q: What disease is linked to selenium deficiency?
A: Keshan disease – a heart condition, and Kashin-Beck disease, which affects joints and bones.
Q: What disease can result from copper deficiency?
A: Menkes disease – affects copper distribution, leading to neurological degeneration, weak bones, and blood vessel issues.
Q: What is the general recommendation for daily water intake?
Adult 1 ml/kcal
Infant 1.5 ml/kcal
