Minerals and trace elements Flashcards
What are minerals ?
They are chemical elements that our bodies need in small amounts. They help in various chemical reaction in our body and are needed for a barrier of reasons
What is calcium needed for ?
For strong bones and teeth, healthy nerves and muscles and blood clotting - growing children need calcium everyday to help build strong bones and teeth
What foods is calcium found in ?
Milk, green leafy vegetables, cheese, tofu, hard water, and sesame seeds
What are the problems caused by having too much calcium?
It is rare but an excess is stored in organs like the kidneys , increasing the risk of kidneys stones and could even stop the kidneys working
What are the problems caused by having too little calcium ?
Too little calcium during childhood can lead to problems such as rickets and osteoporosis because bones become weaker. It can also slow down blood clotting
What is iron needed for ?
Iron is needed form part of the haemoglobin which gives blood cells their red colour
What foods is iron found in ?
It’s found in dark green vegetables (spinach) and meat (especially liver and kidney)
What problems do too much iron cause ?
Too much iron is toxic and can cause stomach pains, nausea and constipation. In extreme cases it can even cause death
What problems are there with getting too little iron ?
Causes anaemia
What does sodium do ?
Sodium chloride (salt) controls the body’s water content and helps our nerves and muscles function
What foods is sodium found in ?
It’s found in most foods - many people add it too food as well
what problems are caused by consuming too much sodium ?
It can lead to high blood pressure and hear disease
What problems are caused by consuming too little sodium ?
Nausea and muscle cramps
What is phosphorus needed for ?
Phosphorus is needed for healthy bones and teeth
What foods contain phosphorus?
Protein-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, beans and cereals
What problems are caused by the intake of too much phosphorus?
can make it harder to absorb calcium
What problems are caused by consuming too little phosphorus?
Can lead to weak muscles and painful bones
What are trace elements?
They are minerals, but we need them in even smaller amounts
What are the two trace elements ?
Fluoride and Iodine
What is the function of fluoride ?
Fluoride strengthens teeth, hardens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay
What problems are caused by too much fluoride ?
Too much fluoride is toxic and can lead to brown-coloured teeth, bones problems and cancer
What is the function of iodine ?
Iodine is needed to make some hormones used by the body
What problems are caused by the consumption of too little fluoride ?
It can lead to weak teeth and enamel, which leads to tooth decay
What foods is iodine found in ?
Seafood, dairy foods and vegetables
What problems are caused by a serious lack of iodine ?
Goitre (neck swelling) and complication in unborn babies
What foods are fluoride found in ?
Fish, tea, fluoridated water and dental water
