Nutrition 5: chemical elements Flashcards
What are minerals?
inorganic compounds required in the body for a variety of functions including formation of bones, teeth, body fluids and tissues
What are the 2 categories of minerals?
minerals requiring under 100mg/day
minerals requiring over 100mg/day
What do you call minerals that require an intake of under 100mg/day?
trace elements
What are examples of trace elements?
iron
zinc
copper
chromium
selenium
What are examples of minerals requiring under 100mg/day?
calcium
phosphorus
magnesium
sodium
potassium
chloride
Why do we need calcium?
bone formation
enzyme activation
neurotransmission
muscle contraction
maintenance of cell membrane potential
What do calcium deficiency result in?
osteoporosis, rickets, impaired muscle contraction and cramps
Why do we need to consume Fe?
haemoglobin and myoglobin formation
electron transfer
oxidative processes
What is the effect of an Fe deficiency?
fatigue
anaemia
impaired temperature regulation
decreased resistance to infection
What are sodium and potassium collectively called?
electrolytes
What is the role of electrolytes?
responsible for the osmolarity of extracellular fluids or cells, determine membrane or resting potential of most cells and also action potentials
Why reduce sodium intake?
reduce blood pressure
by reducing body fluid
What mineral is often added to processed food?
phosphorus
What are magnesium and phosphorus required for?
bone and teeth
What can a serve magnesium deficiency result in?
cardiac arrhythmias
