Minerals (5)

Question 1

Calcium (Functions & Examples)

Answer 1

1. Works together with phosphorus and vitamin D for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth (99% of the body’s calcium is deposited in the skeleton and teeth)
2. Is essential for normal muscle contraction. Calcium bonds with a protein to start the muscle contraction cycle

Plant sources
Sesame seeds
Tofu
Watercress

Animal sources
Dried anchovies with bones
Milk

Question 2

Phosphorus (Functions & Examples)

Answer 2

1. Works together with calcium and vitamin D for the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth
2. Helps to maintain normal pH in the body by functioning as a buffer to prevent extreme pH changes
3. Forms a part of a molecule that stores and realises energy in the body

Plant sources
Pistachio nut
Potato
Spinach
Sunflower seeds

Animal sources
Liver
Mackerel
Milk

Question 3

Iron (Functions & Examples)

Answer 3

1. Is essential for the formation of haemoglobin and myoglobin.
   Haemoglobin in the red blood cells is responsible for the transport of oxygen from the lungs to other body tissues.
   Myoglobin in the muscles supplies oxygen needed for muscle activity.
2. Is needed to activate enzymes that speed up chemical reactions in the body, including those necessary for energy release

Plant sources
Sesame seeds
Spinach
Tofu

Animal sources
Beef
Clam
Liver
Prawn

Question 4

Sodium chloride (Functions & Examples)

Answer 4

1. Is needed in the body to maintain normal fluid balance. Sodium works with potassium to regulate the movement of minerals and fluids in and out of body cells.
2. Is essential for normal nerve impulse transmission by working together with potassium. This enables the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body (e.g. to trigger muscles to contract)
3. Chloride is essential for the formation of hydrochloric acid found in the stomach, which is necessary for digestion

Sources
Potato chips
Salted egg
Salted fish
Sausage
Soya sauce
Tomato ketchup

Question 5

Potassium (Functions & Examples)

Answer 5

1. Is needed in the body to maintain normal fluid balance. Potassium works with sodium chloride to regulate the movement of minerals and fluids in and out of body cells
2. Is essential for normal nerve impulse transmission by working together with sodium. This enables the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body. (E.g. to trigger muscles to contract)

Plant sources
Banana
Potato
Spinach

Animal sources
Beef
Salmon
Yoghurt