Nutrition

Question 1

Mineral: Calcium

Fxn? Deficiency? Toxicity? At risk?

Answer 1

Fxn: cell signaling
Def: osteopenia, muscle cramping
Tox: soft tissue calcification and hypercalcemia from Ca and vitamin D supplements
At Risk: abnormal parathyroid fxn, chronic kidney disease, vitamin D def

Question 2

Mineral: Iron

Fxn? Deficiency? Toxicity? At risk?

Answer 2

Fxn: electron transfer, carries O2
Def: hypochromic, microcytic anemia, apathy, lethargy, pica
Tox: gastric distress, accidental iron poisoning in children can cause death
At Risk: children, women who are menstruating, top 3 deficiencies

Question 3

Mineral: Magnesium

Fxn? Deficiency? Toxicity? At risk?

Answer 3

Fxn: ATPase cofactor
Def: tetany, weakness, confusion, disturbed heart rhythm
Tox: mostly from Mg-containing drugs, cardiac arrest
At risk: malabsorption or alcoholism

Question 4

Mineral: Potassium

Fxn? Deficiency? Toxicity? At risk?

Answer 4

Fxn: cell membrane potential
Def: muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias
Tox: acute hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrest
At Risk: conditions producing fluid shifts or metabloic imbalances

Question 5

Mineral: Sodium

Fxn? Deficiency? Toxicity? At risk?

Answer 5

Fxn: cell membrane potential, regulates water distribution
Def: muscle weakness, anorexia, confusion
Tox: hypertension
At risk: uncommon

Question 6

Mineral: Zinc

Fxn? Deficiency? Toxicity? At risk?

Answer 6

Fxn: metalloenzyme, cofactor
Def: growth retardation, sexual development, poor wound healing, alopecia, painful scaly rash on palms and soles of feet
Tox: impaired immunity, impaired copper absorption
At risk: elderly, malnourished