Minerals Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to minerals, their functions, and dietary sources as discussed in the lecture.

Minerals

Inorganic elements essential for various metabolic processes in the body.

Macro Minerals

Minerals required in larger amounts (>100 mg/day) such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate.

Electrolytes

Inorganic ions that establish ion gradients in fluid compartments and maintain water balance.

Calcium (Ca2+)

A macro mineral essential for bone health, muscle function, blood clotting, and other biological functions.

Sodium (Na+)

A major cation in extracellular fluid important for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function.

Potassium (K+)

The most abundant intracellular cation, vital for proper nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

Phosphorus (P)

A micro mineral important for the structure of nucleic acids, energy transfer (ATP), and bone health.

Magnesium (Mg)

A macro mineral that acts as a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in various metabolic pathways.

Zinc (Zn)

A trace mineral important for enzyme function, immune response, and DNA synthesis.

Iron (Fe)

A micro mineral necessary for oxygen transport in the blood and crucial for various enzymatic reactions.

Copper (Cu)

A trace mineral that assists in iron metabolism, enzyme co-factor activities, and is crucial for connective tissue health.

Iodine (I)

Essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones; a deficiency can lead to goiter and developmental problems.

Selenium (Se)

An essential trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes.

Hemochromatosis

A genetic condition leading to excessive iron accumulation in the body, causing organ damage.

Calcium Deficiency

Can lead to conditions such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

Micro Minerals

Trace minerals required in smaller amounts (less than 100 mg/day) that have specialized roles in the body.

Nutrient Absorption

The process by which nutrients from food are taken up by the intestines into the bloodstream.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin that promotes calcium absorption and is crucial for maintaining bone health.

Hepcidin

A hormone that regulates iron homeostasis by inhibiting iron release from stores.