The Nutritional Value of Minerals Flashcards
What are the major minerals?
sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sulphate
What are the trace minerals?
iron, zinc, copper, manganese, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum
What does a calcium deficiency lead to?
osteoporosis, rickets and blood clotting
What does excess calcium lead to?
impaired kidney function, kidney stones, malabsorption of other minerals, constipation
How much calcium is required in the diet per day?
1g
Which vitamin is required for calcium absorption?
vitamin D
Which hormone lowers blood calcium?
calcitonin
Which hormone increases blood calcium?
parathyroid hormone
When does malignant hyperthermia occur?
when muscles release excess calcium - triggered by halothane in people who are genetically predisposed
What is the upper limit for calcium intake?
2.5g per day
What is the role of phosphate?
mineralisation of bones and teeth, genetic material, buffer, phospholipids, energy transfer
What are the symptoms of hypophosphatemia?
muscle and neurological dysfunction, blood cell fragility, bone pain, limitation to growth
What are the symptoms of phosphate toxicity?
diarrhoea and calcification of organs and soft tissue
How much phosphorus is required per day?
1g
What is the role of potassium in the body?
fluid and electrolyte balance, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction
What are the symptoms of potassium deficiency?
irregular heartbeat, muscular weakness, glucose intolerance
What are the symptoms of potassium toxicity?
muscle weakness, vomiting and if given directly to a vein can stop the heart
What is the food source for sulphur?
protein
How does a hair perm work?
the chemicals break the sulphide bonds in the hair
What is the recommended daily intake of sodium?
less than 2.3g per day
What are the symptoms of a sodium deficiency?
muscle cramps, mental apathy, loss of appetite
What are the symptoms of sodium toxicity?
oedema, hypertension
What does chloride toxicity cause?
vomiting
What are the functions of magnesium in the body?
bone mineralisation, building of protein, enzyme action, muscle contraction, nerve impulses, maintenance of teeth, functioning of the immune system
What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?
weakness, confusion, convulsions, muscle movements, hallucinations, difficulty in swallowing, growth failure
What are the symptoms of magnesium toxicity?
diarrhoea, alkalosis, dehydration
What are epsom salts used for?
laxative
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
anemia and pica
What is haemachromatosis and what are the symptoms?
iron excess - bronze skin, hepatic cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus
Why do men need more zinc than women?
because zinc is needed for the making of sperm
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, impaired immune function, hair loss, eye and skin lesions, loss of appetite
What are the symptoms of a copper deficiency?
anaemia, bone abnormalities
What are the symptoms of copper toxicity?
liver damage
What genetic diseases are related to copper?
Menke’s disease (too little) and Wilson’s disease (too much)
What is the role of selenium in the body?
defends against oxidation, regulates thyroid hormone
What are the symptoms of selenium deficiency?
predisposition to heart disease
What is the function of chromium in the body?
enhances insulin action
Which vitamin is cobalt part of?
vitamin B12
What is the role of fluoride in the body?
maintains health of bones and teeth
