Minerals and trace elements pg9 Flashcards
name 4 minerals
-calcium
-iron
-sodium
-phosphorus
what is a mineral
a chemical element that our bodies need in small amounts
explain why we need calcium
-needed for strong bones and teeth, healthy nerves and muscles
-growing children need calcium everyday to help them build strong bones and teeth
explain what too much and too little calcium can cause
too much is rare but any excess gets stored in the kindeys
-increasing risk of kindey stones
too little:
-rickets
-osteoporosis
explain why we need iron
to form part of the haemoglobin, giving red blood cells their red colour
wheres iron found
in dark green vegetables
-spinach
-meat
explain what too much and too little iron can cause
too much
-is toxic (poisionous), causing stomach pains, naeusea, constipation
too little
-a dificiency disease called anaemia
explain why we need sodium
it controls the bodys water content, helping nerves and muscles to function
wheres sodium found
in most foods (salt)
explain what too much and too little sodium can cause
-too much salt is bad for you
-high blood pressure
-heart disease
too little
-nausea
-muscle cramps
explain why we need phosphorus
-healthy bones
-healthy teeth
explain what too much and too little phosphorus can cause
too much
-make it harder to absorb calcium
too little
-leads to weak muscles and painful bones
wheres phosphorus found
in protein-rich foods
-meat
-fish
-dairy products
-nuts
name 2 trace elements and what they are
-fluoride
-iodine
-they’re minerals, but we need them in even smaller amounts
explain why we need fluoride
-strengthens teeth
-hardens tooth enamel
-helps to prevent tooth decay
