Minerals (Final) Flashcards
T/F: minerals and vitamins are both micronutrients
true
Do we need more minerals or vitamins in the body?
minerals
Are minerals essential?
yes
Are minerals organic or inorganic?
inorganic
Are vitamins organic or inorganic?
organic
Minerals are divided into 2 groups. What are they?
macrominerals and microminerals (these depend on how much intake you need)
Minerals account for ______% of body weight
4-5
Which mineral do we have the most in the body?
calcium (2% of body weight)
(phosphorus is 1% of body weight)
Minerals are structures of tissues and cells. 99% calcium and 70% phosphates are found in the?
bones and teeth
Phosphates are found in….
cell membranes
Iron is found in….
hemoglobin
Minerals are buffer molecules. Which buffer system is used with minerals?
intracellular buffer system/ phosphate buffer system
What minerals are electrolytes?
-Na
-K
-Mg
-Cl
-Ca
What is the major cation in the extracellular fluid?
sodium
What is the major cation in the intracellular fluid?
potassium
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for ATP to function?
magnesium
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for B12 to function?
cobalt
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes to function?
iron
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for GSH to function?
selenium
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for complex IV cytochrome oxidase, cyt a and cyt a3 to function?
copper
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for collagen oxidation to function?
copper
Minerals are enzyme cofactors and are involved in protein and vitamin functions. Which mineral is required for thyroid hormones to function?
iodine
Patients with high BP should eat fruits and veggies that are high in what mineral?
potassium
High sodium = high ______ bc water is retained
BP
Processed foods have high amounts of what mineral?
sodium
High BP damages which organ first?
heart
What is hyperkalemia? What does this mean for the body?
-high potassium in the blood
-kidney issues
-heart arrhythmias
-can cause cardiac arrest
What is hypokalemia? What does this mean for the body?
-low potassium in the blood
-excessive sweat, urination, or vomiting
-cramps
-muscle weakness
-irregular heart beat
Which minerals are macrominerals?
-calcium
-phosphorous
-sodium
-potassium
-magnesium
-chloride
-sulfur
Macrominerals are minerals that required at least _______ a day
100mg
Microminerals are also known as trace minerals because the body only requires ______ or less a day
15 mg
What are the microminerals?
-iron
-selenium
-zinc
-copper
-fluoride
-manganese
-chromium
-cobalt
-iodine
Does animal food or plant food have higher mineral bioavailability?
animal food
Mineral food sources exists in 2 forms: as charged ions or bound to proteins or complexed in molecules. What is the exception?
heme iron (animal food), all elements are absorbed in the ionic state
Mineral to mineral interactions can result in decreased….
absorption, transport, and storage
Absorption of zinc is decreased when a person is taking ________ supplements
iron or folate
Calcium reduces the absorption of what minerals?
-magnesium
-zinc
-iron
Mineral to fiber interactions can result in decreased….
absorption
Mineral to vitamin interactions can result in BOTH increased or decreased….
absorption
Vitamin C increases ________ absorption
iron
Vit D increases __________ absorption
calcium
What binds to minerals and prevents them from being absorbed? Its found in plants
phytates and oxalates
The mineral component of bone consists mainly of hydroxyapatite[Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] crystals, which contain large amounts of….
calcium and phosphate
99% of calcium is stored in…
bones and teeth
(the remaining 1% is in plasma)
What are the food sources for calcium?
-milk
-yogurt
-cheese
-bones in fish
-calcium fortified foods like orange juice or soy milk
-dark green leafy veggies
Calcium is absorbed through which organ?
small intestine
What 5 things decrease calcium absorption?
1) alkaline environment
2) very high fiber intake
3) achlorhydria (absence of HCI)
4) presence of phytates and oxalates
5) excessive phosphorous intake
What 5 things increase calcium absorption?
1) acidic environment
2) lactase
3) vit D
4) increased physiological need (ex: strength training)
5) calbindin (calcium binding proteins increase in presence of vit D)
What are the 6 functions of calcium?
-nerve conduction
-muscle contraction
-blood clotting
-constriction and relaxation of blood vessels
-secretion of hormones like insulin
-bone growth and maintenance
Calcium is essential for the normal growth and maintenance of….
bones and teeth
What directly controls calcium absorption?
PTH, vit D, and calcitonin
What indirectly controls calcium absorption?
estrogen
Which organ is critically important for calcium homeostasis?
kidney
If tubular reabsorption of calcium ____________ , calcium is lost by excretion into urine
decreases
Bone serves as a vast reservoir of calcium. Stimulating net reabsorption of bone minerals releases ___________________ into the blood, and suppressing this effect allows calcium to be deposited in bone
calcium and phosphate
When blood calcium ____________, calcium sensing proteins in the parathyroid glands sends signals resulting in the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH)
decreases
When calcium intake is low or poorly absorbed, bone breakdown occurs bc the body must use the calcium stores in bones to maintain normal biological functions such as…
nerve and muscle function
PTH stimulates the conversion of ________ to its active form, calcitriol, in the kidneys. Calcitriol increases the absorption of calcium from the SI. Together with PTH, calcitriol stimulates calcium release from bone by activating ______________ and decrease the urinary excretion of calcium by increasing its reabsorption in the kidneys
vit D, osteoclasts
When blood calcium rises to normal levels, the parathyroid glands stop secreting PTH, and _____________ is secreted from the _____________. The kidneys begin to excrete any excess calcium in the urine. Although this complex system allows for rapid and tight regulation of blood calcium levels, it does so at the expense of the skeleton
calcitonin, thyroid gland
______________ means “porous bone” and is characterized by decreased bone mineral density, bone calcium content, and an increase risk of fractures
Osteoporosis
Patients with calcium deficiency have an increased risk for what?
colon cancer and hypertension
What is hypocalcemia? What does this mean for the body?
-low calcium in the blood
-increase neuromuscular excitability, aka muscle spasms, tetany, and cardiac dysfunction
What people are most at risk for calcium toxicity?
patients with too much PTH or people who are getting calcitriol treatment
What is hypercalcemia? What does this mean for the body?
-high blood calcium
-diffuse precipitation of calcium phosphate in tissues
-organ dysfunction and damage
-calcinosis (formation of calcium deposits in any soft tissue)
What is calcinosis?
formation of calcium deposits in any soft tissue
What are the side effects of calcium toxicity besides hypercalcemia?
-kidney stones
-nausea
-vomiting
-loss of appetite
-increased urination
-confusion
-irregular heart beat
High calcium levels interferes with what other minerals?
iron, zinc, and magnesium
What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?
-advancing age
-history of fracture as an adult
-history of fracture in a parent or sibling in adult life
-cigs
-small build/underweight
-white or asian female
-sedentary lifestyle
-eating disorder with excessive sodium intake
-alcohol abuse
-high caffeine intake
-calcium deficiency diet
-menopause (decrease in estrogen secretion)
What is the 2nd most abundant mineral in the body?
phosphorous
Which mineral is required by every cell in the body bc of DNA, RNA, ATP, and cell membrane structure?
phosphorous
70% of the body’s phosphorous is found in…..
bones and teeth
Which mineral regulates absorption of calcium and other trace elements?
phosphorous
Which mineral regulates RBC metabolism?
phosphorous (note: ATP comes from glycolysis bc theres no mitochondria in RBCs)
Which mineral is a component of myelin sheath and sphingomyelin?
phosphorous
Phosphorous interacts with which vitamin?
D
Which mineral regulates energy production via phosphorylation for nervous, immune, and muscular systems?
phosphorous
Which mineral helps kidneys to excrete waste?
phosphorous
How do you prepare foods to retain phosphorus?
-cook foods in a minimal amount of water
-cook for the shortest possible time
-roast or broil lamb, veal, pork, and poultry (beef keeps the same amount of phosphorous regardless of cooking method)
What are the symptoms of phosphorous deficiency?
-muscle weakness
-appetite loss
-fatigue
-pain in bones/fragile bones
-tooth decay
-stunted growth
-arthritis
-reproductive problems
Who is at risk for low phosphorous?
-pregnant and nursing women
-those on weight loss diets of less than 1000 calories a day
-heavy drinkers
-those who consume large amounts of antacids (bc this depletes the bone’s phosphorous supply)
What is more common- calcium deficiency or toxicity?
deficiency
What is more common- phosphorous deficiency or toxicity?
toxicity
Phosphorous toxicity can cause what deficiencies?
calcium. magnesium, and zinc
What are the symptoms of phosphorous toxicity?
-tremors
-hyper-excitability
-anemia
-diarrhea
-arthritis
What are the food sources of phosphorous?
What provides 100% of the sulfur in the human diet?
methionine and cysteine
Is sulfur deficiency or toxicity common?
neither
Sulfur is an essential component of what 3 vitamins?
-thiamine
-pantothenic acid
-biotin
note: sulfur is also a component of glutathione which is a tripeptide containing cysteine, glycine, and glutamate and functions as an antioxidant
Diets that provide plenty of fruits and veggies, which are good sources of _________________________, are consistently associated with lower blood pressure
potassium and magensium
_______________ plays an essential role in carb metabolism. It may influence the release and activity of insulin
Magnesium
The observed associations between magnesium metabolism, diabetes, and high BP increase the likelihood that magnesium metabolism may influence ________________ disease
cardiovascular
Magnesium deficiency alters calcium metabolism and the hormones that regulate calcium, so its associated with what bone disorder?
osteoporosis
What is the 4th most abundant mineral in the body?
magnesium
Which mineral is required for bone mineralization?
magnesium
What are the 7 functions of magnesium?
1) helps to maintain normal muscle and nerve function
2) keep heart rhythm steady
3) keeps bones strong
4) supports a healthy immune system
5) helps regulate blood sugar levels
6) promotes normal BP
7) involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis
What are the causes of magnesium deficiency?
-disorders that deplete the bodies stores of magnesium may cause a deficiency
-excessive loss of magnesium in urine can be a side effect of some medications and can also occur in cases of poorly controlled diabetes and alcohol abuse
-chronic or excessive vomiting and diarrhea may also cause magnesium depletion
What are the food sources for magnesium?
test q
-green veggies like spinach and broccoli bc of photosynthesis (chlorophyll has magnesium in the center)
-legumes (beans and peas)
-nuts and seds
-whole unrefined grains
What are the early signs of magnesium deficiency?
-loss of appetite
-nausea
-vomiting
-fatigue/insomnia
Are are the prolonged signs of magnesium deficiency?
-numbness
-tingling
-muscle contractions and cramps
-seizures
-personality changes
-abnormal heart rhythms
-coronary spasms
Severe magnesium deficiency can result in….
hypocalcemia and hypokalemia
What is the symptom for magnesium toxicity?
diarrhea
What is magnesium glycerate?
-supplement with magnesium + glycine
-good for bone development
Which magnesium is found in epson salts?
magnesium sulfate
What is magnesium taurate?
-supplement with magnesium and tauric acid
-reduces CVD
-helps build bile and decrease cholesterol
Iron exists in 2 forms. What are they?
heme and nonheme iron
Where is heme iron found?
-animal foods
-hemoglobin
-myoglobin
-cytochrome C
Where is nonheme iron found?
-plant foods
-ferritin
-FeS
Meat, fish, and poultry contain not only heme but also a factor called ______________ that promotes the absorption of nonheme iron from other foods eaten at the same meal
MFP factor
Which vitamin stimulates iron absorption?
C
What inhibits iron absorption?
tea and coffee
What are the food sources for iron?
-liver is the best source
-seafood such as oysters and fish
-kidneys, heart, lean meat, and poultry
-dry beans and veggies are the best plant source
Iron is one of the enrichment nutrients for what products?
grain
Where is the functional iron found in the body?
hemoglobin and myoglobin
Where is storage iron found?
test q
ferritin, hemosiderin, and transferrin
Ferritin is found within cells of the….
liver, bone marrow, and spleen (relates to iron RBC cycle)
Hemosiderin is found within?
macrophages
Transferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein found within the…
blood
Surplus iron is stored primarily in….
ferritin (so the liver, bone marrow, and spleen)
What is the early stage marker for low Fe?
low ferritin
What is the late stage marker for low Fe?
transferrin is not saturated and the person has anemia
Which mineral is recycled and transported back to bone marrow to be reused?
iron
Who should be consuming double the amount of iron compared to the average man or post-menopausal women?
women of childbearing age
What mineral deficiency is the precursor of iron deficiency anemia and is the most common of all nutritional deficiency diseases and is prevalent in children and women of childbearing age?
iron deficiency
What is the final stage of iron deficiency?
hypochromic microcytic anemia
What is the most common type of anemia?
hypochromic microcytic anemia
What mineral deficiency may cause ADD, ADHD, or pica?
iron deficiency
Iron overload is known as __________________ and is usually caused by a genetic disorder that enhances iron absorption. More common in men
hemochromatosis
Ingestion of _______ containing supplements remains a leading cause of accidental poisoning in small children. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tachycardia, weak pulse, dizziness, shock, and confusion
iron
What organs have the highest conc. of zinc even though it’s a trace mineral?
-liver
-pancreas
-kidney
-bone
-muscles
What are the 2 pathways for absorption of zinc?
1) a saturable carrier mechanism that operates more efficiently at low intakes (actively transported in low doses)
2) passive diffusion when zinc intake is high
Zinc absorption can be hindered by the presence of….
phytates
Zinc absorption can be enhanced by….
-glucose
-lactose
-soy protein
What vitamin inhibits zinc absorption?
folate
How is zinc transported in the blood?
attached to albumin
How is excess zinc removed from the body?
poop
Cells love which 2 minerals?
potassium and zinc
Which 2 minerals share food sources?
iron and zinc
What are the food sources for zinc?
protein rich foods (animal foods) and ready to eat breakfast cereals fortified with zinc
What are the 5 functions of zinc?
1) component of many promotors (Zn finger proteins)
2) cofactor of carbonic anhydrase (this enzyme converts water and carbon dioxide to carbonic acid (H2CO3))
3) sense of taste and smell
4) sex maturation
5) important for ADH and carboxypeptidases to function properly
What are the signs and symptoms if theres a deficiency in zinc fingers (cannot promote proper gene expression)?
-delayed wound healing
-growth retardation
-immune deficiency
-impaired appetite
-skin lesions
When there is a zinc deficiency you may lose sense of taste and smell. What is the fancy word for this?
hypogeusia
What happens to sex maturation when theres a zinc deficiency?
-delayed sexual maturation
-hypogonadism
-hypospermia
Where is the highest copper conc. in the body?
-liver
-brain
-heart
-kidney
Which mineral is required for synthetic enzymes to make dopamine and NE?
copper
Which mineral is required for collagen oxidation and cross linking?
copper
Absorption of copper occurs in the ____________ via active and passive transport
duodenum
What inhibits copper absorption?
fiber and phytates
90% of copper is in the form of….
ceruloplasmin (its a glycoprotein and a major copper carrying protein, if copper is unbound then it is toxic)
Which organ synthesizes ceruloplasmin?
liver
It is an oxidase that turns ferrous to ferric. Only ferric can bind with transferrin to transport iron in the blood in the iron cycle
ceruloplasmin
A copper deficiency may cause what mineral deficiency?
iron
How is excess copper removed from the body?
primarily in the GI tract as a component of bile (common way to regulate copper stones)
Biliary excretion increases in response to excessive intake of what mineral?
copper
Where is copper stored?
in the liver, so deficiency would not show symptoms until later
What is the best source for copper?
chocolate
note: zinc is in most foods but chocolate is best source
What disease is caused by copper deficiency?
Menke’s disease
What is Menke’s disease?
-also known as kinky hair syndrome
-genetic copper malabsorption
-muscle weakness
-abnormal collagen crossing
Copper synthesizes pigments like melanin so a deficiency in copper would result in….
depigmentation
What blood disorder is common with copper deficiency?
anemia bc theres not enough ceruloplasmin
Liver cirrhosis and RBC formation abnormalities typically develop from toxic intake levels of what mineral?
copper
What disease is caused by copper toxicity?
Wilson’s disease
What is Wilson’s disease?
-excess accumulation of copper in body tissues
-genetic deficiency of liver synthesis of ceruloplasmin
-excretion of copper in bile does not occur so this causes liver damage
-tx and cure is a liver transplant
Which mineral is a glucose tolerance factor?
chromuim (Cr)
Which mineral helps bind insulin to insulin receptors on the cell membrane?
chromuim (Cr)
Which mineral deficiency causes insulin resistence?
chromuim (Cr)
What mineral supplements are beneficial for diabetic patients?
chromuim (Cr), magnesium, copper, zinc
Which mineral is a constituent of B12?
cobalt (Co)
Megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency in what mineral?
cobalt (Co)
What anemia is caused by folate, vit B12, and Co deficiency?
megaloblastic anemia
What anemia is caused by intrinsic factor deficiency?
pernicious anemia
Which anemia is caused by vit B6 deficiency?
sideroblastic anemia
Which anemia is caused by iron deficiency?
microcytic hypochromic anemia
Which anemia is caused by NADPH and vit E deficiency?
hemolytic anemia
Anemia caused by excessive bleeding is due to vit ____ deficiency and vit _____ toxicity
K, E
Which mineral is a constituent of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)?
iodine
Which mineral is stored as thyroglobulin?
iodine
If a child is deficient in iodine then they have…..
test q
cretinism
If an adult is deficient in iodine then they have….
test q
a goiter or myxedema
What mineral is a cofactor of glutathione peroxidase?
selenium (Se)
Which mineral is an antioxidant?
selenium (Se)
What is the function of fluoride (F)?
increase hardness of teeth
If someone has a deficiency in fluoride then they are more prone to….
dental caries (cavities)
If someone has fluoride toxicity then they have….
hyperfluorosis
