Minerals: Chapter 8

Question 1

Importance of Water

Answer 1

Functions:
Universal solvent and transportation medium.

Medium for chemical reactions.
Transports oxygen, nutrients, and hormones.

Removes waste products.

Maintains body temperature.

Lubricates joints, eyes, and forms mucus and saliva.

Cushions the brain, organs, and fetus.

Question 2

Osmosis

Answer 2

Movement of water across cell membranes to balance solute concentrations.

Key electrolytes: Sodium (Na), Chloride (Cl), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg).

Question 3

Body Composition and Fluid Distribution

Answer 3

Intracellular Fluid: Inside cells, ~2/3 of body water.

Extracellular Fluid: Outside cells, includes plasma and interstitial fluid, ~1/3 of body water.

Electrolytes: Charged ions that help maintain fluid balance.

Question 4

Regulation of Body Temperature

Answer 4

Homeotherms: Maintain a constant body temperature (~98°F/37°C).

Heat Regulation: Blood vessels expand to release heat; perspiration cools the body.

Question 5

Water Intake and Loss

Answer 5

Balance: Water consumed should equal water lost.

Sources: Beverages and food.

Losses: Urine, feces, sweat, evaporation from skin, and exhalation.

Question 6

Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Answer 6

Electrolytes: Salts that dissociate into charged particles in water.

Thirst Mechanism: Triggered when body water falls by 1-2%.

Hormones: ADH and aldosterone help conserve water and sodium.

Question 7

Dehydration

Answer 7

Dehydration: From inadequate intake or excessive loss (diarrhea, vomiting, fever, diuretics).

Question 8

Hyponatremia

Answer 8

Hyponatremia: Overconsumption of water leading to low sodium levels, can be life-threatening.

Question 9

Minerals

Answer 9

Definition: Inorganic elements needed in small amounts.

Bioavailability: Absorption depends on various factors (e.g., presence of other minerals, and food substances).

Question 10

Sodium (Major Minerals)

Answer 10

Functions: Fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle function.

Sources: Table salt, processed foods.

Deficiency: Rare, can cause hyponatremia.

Toxicity: Hypertension.

Question 11

Potassium (Major Mineral)

Answer 11

Functions: Nerve response, muscle contraction, fluid balance.

Sources: Tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes.

Deficiency: Muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeats.

Toxicity: Hyperkalemia.

Question 12

Calcium (Major Mineral)

Answer 12

Functions: Bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling.

Sources: Dairy products, leafy greens.

Deficiency: Osteoporosis.

Toxicity: Kidney stones.

Question 13

Phosphorus (Major Mineral)

Answer 13

Functions: Bone health, energy metabolism, DNA/RNA structure.

Sources: Meat, dairy, nuts.

Deficiency: Rare, can cause bone pain.

Toxicity: Can affect calcium absorption.

Question 14

Magnesium (Major Mineral)

Answer 14

Functions: Muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control.

Sources: Nuts, seeds, whole grains.

Deficiency: Muscle cramps, mental disorders.

Toxicity: Diarrhea.

Question 15

Chloride (Major Mineral)

Answer 15

Functions: Fluid balance, stomach acid production.

Sources: Table salt, vegetables.

Deficiency: Rare, can cause metabolic alkalosis.

Toxicity: Rare.

Question 16

Sulfur (Major Mineral)

Answer 16

Functions: Protein synthesis, detoxification.

Sources: Protein-rich foods.

Deficiency: None observed.

Toxicity: Unlikely.

Question 17

Iron (Trace Mineral)

Answer 17

Functions: Oxygen transport, energy production.

Sources: Red meat, beans, fortified cereals.

Deficiency: Anemia.

Toxicity: Hemochromatosis.

Question 18

Copper (Trace Mineral)

Answer 18

Functions: Iron metabolism, antioxidant defense.

Sources: Shellfish, nuts, seeds.

Deficiency: Anemia, bone abnormalities.

Toxicity: Liver damage.

Question 19

Zinc (Trace Mineral)

Answer 19

Functions: Immune function, wound healing.

Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes.

Deficiency: Growth retardation, hair loss.

Toxicity: Nausea, vomiting.

Question 20

Selenium (Trace Mineral)

Answer 20

Functions: Antioxidant defense, thyroid function.

Sources: Brazil nuts, seafood.

Deficiency: Keshan disease.

Toxicity: Selenosis.

Question 21

Flouride (Trace Mineral)

Answer 21

Functions: Dental health.

Sources: Fluoridated water, tea.

Deficiency: Dental caries.

Toxicity: Fluorosis.

Question 22

Chromium (Trace Mineral)

Answer 22

Functions: Enhances insulin action.

Sources: Broccoli, whole grains.

Deficiency: Impaired glucose tolerance.

Toxicity: Rare.

Question 23

Iodine (Trace Mineral)

Answer 23

Functions: Thyroid hormone production.

Sources: Iodized salt, seafood.

Deficiency: Goiter.

Toxicity: Thyroid dysfunction.