Minerals Flashcards
The majority of the calcium in the body is located in:
Bone (90%)
What is second most abundant mineral in the body?
Phosphorus (25%); 70% of that is located within bone
In what form are all minerals absorbed in the body?
Ionic state
Are minerals synthesized in a lab?
No, minerals must be mined
In what form are minerals mostly extracted from the environment?
Salt form (ex: calcium carbonate)
Which mineral is the exception to the rule of being absorbed in the ionic state?
Heme iron
The absorption of minerals is often influenced by:
Diet of the patient (ex: vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron from plants)
What is the most abundant mineral located in the body?
Calcium (50%)
Minerals with a positive charge are:
Metals (therefore non-metals are negatively charged)
What is a metalloprotein?
A protein that contains a metal (metals are positively charged)
What are 3 major examples of a metalloprotein?
Hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes
What is an enzyme that contains a metal called?
Metalloenzyme
What are 2 main examples of a mellatoenzyme?
Catalase and superoxide dismutase
For a mineral to be considered a “major” mineral, how much should the patient consume each day?
> 100mg/day
What are the minerals that a patient should consume >100mg/day?
Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chlorine, magnesium, and sulfur (Ca, P, K, Na, Cl, Mg, and S)
What is the recommend daily consumption of trace minerals?
1-100mg/day
What minerals are considered to be “trace” minerals?
Iron, zinc, copper, and fluorine (Fe, Zn, Cu, and F)
If a mineral is considered an “ultra trace” mineral, what is the daily recommendation you should tell your patients?
What minerals are known as “ultra trace” minerals?
Iodine, selenium, maganese, chromium, molybdenum, silicon, arsenic, boron, and nickel (I, Se, Mn, Cr, Mo, Si, Ar, B, and Ni)
What increases the absorption of all minerals?
An acidic environment
For a mineral to be absorbed, it must first be:
Released from its salt form, and this is accomplished by acid (ex: ascorbic and citric acids)
What is the form of calcium that is most commonly found in supplements and fortified foods?
Calcium carbonate
What are the 2 different mechanisms in which calcium is absorbed?
Active transport and passive transport
What is the protein that binds calcium in the small intestine?
Calbindin 9k
In order for calcium to be absorbed I the SI through active transport, what is required?
Vitamin D
When large amount of calcium is consumed through dairy products or in supplements, what type of calcium transport is used?
Passive transport (when calbindin 9k is saturated and fit D is NOT required)
Was is the maximum amount of calcium that can be absorbed at one time?
500mg
What are the calcium binding proteins and where are they found?
Calbindin 9k in SI and Calbindin 28k in kidneys
Describe what happens when a patient’s blood calcium levels are too low.
When blood calcium levels are too low, the parathyroid gland releases PTH. The PTH stimulates hydroxylase in the kidneys to stimulate calcitriol (Vit D). The calcitriol then stimulates the calcium binding proteins (Calbindin 9k and 28k) to raise calcium levels in the blood again.
What is it called when calcium levels are low?
Hypocalcemia
What is the short-term effect of Hypocalcemia?
Tetany (intense muscle spasms, especially within the hands)
What is a long-term effect of Hypocalcemia?
Osteoporosis
What stimulates or increases calcium absorption?
Vitamin D, proteins (Calbindin), and sugars (lactose)
What inhibits the absorption of calcium?
Fatty acids, divalent minerals (Zn, Cu, and Mg), phytate (whole grains), oxalate (legumes, spinach, chocolate), tannins (coffee and tea), and fiber
What increases the excretion of calcium?
Na, caffeine, and protein
What decreases the excretion of calcium?
K, P, and estrogen
What is average percentage of calcium that is absorbed by the body?
20-30% (adult) and 65% (growing children)
What are the best dietary sources of calcium?
Dairy (milk), fish (esp. canned), tofu, spinach, and fortified grains
