Minerals Flashcards
What are minerals and name the 4 main minerals and 2 trace elements.
Metals that are chemically different to Vitamins
Minerals: Iron, calcium, phosphorus, sodium
Trace elements: Flouride, iodide
What are good sources of iron?
- Dark green vegetables, meat (liver + kidney), pulses.
What are the functions of iron?
- Produces haemoglobin which carries oxygen in the red blood cells.
What happens if a person is deficient in iron?
- Iron anaemia - (red blood cell or haemoglobin deficiency)
- Fatigue - no haemoglobin = no oxygen = less respiration = less energy.
What are good sources of phosphorus?
Every food
- Protein rich foods (meat, egg, fish), nuts, beans, dairy
What are the functions of phosphorus?
- Works with calcium to harden bones and teeth
- Clotting of blood
- Muscle functioning
What happens if a person is deficient in phosphorus?
- Very unlikely
- Weak muscles and bones
- Tiredness, depression
What are good sources of calcium?
- Dairy products, leafy green veg, tinned fish, milk, cheese, almonds, hard water
What are the functions of calcium?
- Work with phosphorus to harden bones and teeth
- Blood clotting
- Muscle functioning
- Heart regulation
What happens if a person is deficient in calcium?
- Rickets
- Bone softening
- Osteoporosis
- Osteomalacia
- Slow blood clotting
What are good sources of sodium?
- Salt, salty foods, bacon, cheese, most foods
What are the functions of sodium?
- Maintains water balance
- Nerve transmission
What happens if a person is deficient is sodium?
- Muscle weakness
- People in hot climates need more
- Nausea
What are good sources of flouride?
- Fish, tea, toothpaste, flouridated water/
What are the functions of flouride in the water?
- Strengthens teeth against decay.
- Strengthens enamel
