Nutrition: Vitamins, Minerals, and Water

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to vitamins, minerals, and hydration as discussed in the notes.

Vitamins

Organic compounds that regulate body processes supporting growth and maintaining life.

Minerals

Inorganic elements that serve as structural components or regulators of body processes.

Bioavailability

The amount of vitamins and minerals absorbed and utilized by the body.

Binders

Substances that can reduce the absorption of minerals.

Chemical identity

The characteristic structure and properties of minerals that do not change during processing or absorption.

Toxicity

The harmful effects that can arise from excessive intake of vitamins or minerals.

Extracellular fluid

Fluid found outside of cells, including interstitial and intravascular fluid.

Obligatory water excretion

The minimum water needed to excrete waste, approximately 500ml (2 cups) each day.

Dehydration

A condition caused by insufficient water in the body.

Water intoxication

A potentially dangerous condition occurring when excessive water is ingested, diluting sodium levels.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a membrane towards areas of higher solute concentration.

Electrolytes

Ions in the body that carry an electrical charge and are crucial for many bodily functions.

RAAS system

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, a hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Hyponatremia

A condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood.

Potassium (K+)

The principal positively charged ion inside body cells, critical for many physiological functions.

Phosphorus (Phosphate)

A major negatively charged mineral found inside cells essential for energy transfer and bone structure.

Hydration

The process of providing adequate water to the body's needs.

Major minerals

Essential mineral nutrients found in amounts greater than 5 grams in the human body.

Trace minerals

Mineral nutrients found in amounts less than 5 grams in the human body.