Minerals unit 9 Flashcards
What are electrolytes?
Charged particles (ions) like sodium, potassium, and chloride that carry an electrical current when dissolved in water.
What is fluid and electrolyte balance?
The correct amounts and types of fluids and electrolytes in tissues.
How does water movement occur?
Water moves to areas with a higher concentration of dissolved particles.
What minerals regulate water in cells?
Sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium.
What is the role of buffers in acid-base balance?
Buffers (proteins and mineral salts) maintain pH stability by absorbing or releasing H+ ions.
What happens during vomiting or diarrhea?
Loss of water pulls fluid from cells, causing dehydration and potentially life-threatening heartbeat disruptions.
How do kidneys conserve water?
by producing less urine when the body needs to save water. They do this with the help of a hormone called ADH, which makes the kidneys reabsorb more water back into the bloodstream.
What is the most abundant mineral in the body?
Calcium, with 99% stored in bones and teeth.
What are the roles of calcium?
Bone calcium provides structural support; blood calcium is essential for muscle contraction and nerve function.
What deficiency does calcium lead to?
Osteoporosis (reduced bone mass). seen in..
Older Adults (men and Woman over 60)
woman ( postmenopause)
What are good sources of calcium?
Dairy- cheese, yougurt,
Leafy greens- broccoli, kale, spanich,
canned sardines, salmon
Almonds
fortified foods- orange juice .( foods that have been intentionally enriched with essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, or fiber, that may not be naturally present in significant amounts.)
What is a unique fact about osteoporosis?
It affects 44 million Americans, with 80% being women.
What are the roles of phosphorus?
Bone strength and DNA formation.
Is phosphorus deficiency common?
No, it is uncommon.
What are good sources of phosphorus?
Meat, dairy, and plant-based foods.
What are the roles of magnesium?
Found in bones and muscles; critical for muscle relaxation.
What causes magnesium deficiency?
Alcoholism, malnutrition, or diuretics.
What are good sources of magnesium?
Unprocessed foods like nuts, grains, and leafy greens.
What is the role of iron in the body?
Found in hemoglobin for oxygen transport and myoglobin for oxygen storage in muscles.
What deficiency does iron cause?
Anemia (tiredness, pale skin).
Who is commonly affected by iron deficiency?
Pregnant women and vegetarians.
What can iron toxicity lead to?
It can be fatal, such as in accidental poisoning in children.
What are good sources of iron?
Meat (heme iron, easily absorbed) and plants (non-heme iron, less absorbed).
What is the role of iodine?
Thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism.
What deficiency does iodine cause?
Goiter (enlarged thyroid).
What are good sources of iodine?
Iodized salt, seafood, baked goods.
What are the roles of zinc?
Enzyme function, growth, and immune health.
What deficiency does zinc cause?
Stunted growth and delayed maturity in children.
What are good sources of zinc?
Meat, poultry, shellfish.
What are the roles of water in the body?
Nutrient transport, waste removal, temperature regulation.
What is a sign of water deficiency?
Dehydration (dizziness, confusion).
What is the recommended water intake?
~2-3 liters per day (varies by activity and climate).
Which of these is NOT an electrolyte?
C) Glucose (not a charged particle).
Which of these is NOT a trace mineral?
C) Calcium (major mineral).
What is the main storage site for calcium?
C) Bones and teeth.
Which mineral works with calcium to relax muscles?
A) Magnesium.
