Nutrition - Lecture 6

What are minerals?

Inorganic elements originating from rocks that do not break down during metabolism.

What are the primary functions of minerals?

Provide structure, maintain fluid balance, act as cofactors and coenzymes, and facilitate nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

What factors can tip the balance of mineral status?

Poor mineral status can result from insufficient intake, mineral interactions, decreased absorption, increased excretion, and mineral toxicity.

What is bioavailability in relation to minerals?

Bioavailability refers to the absorbability of minerals, influenced by their state in the intestine and substances like phytates and oxalates.

How are minerals classified?

Minerals are classified as essential (16 total), major minerals (present in amounts >5 g), and trace minerals (present in amounts <5 g).

What is the role of calcium in health?

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction.

What is the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium for adults aged 19-50?

1000 mg per day.

What are major sources of calcium?

Milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fish with bones, fortified products, nuts, grains, and dried beans.

What can cause calcium deficiency?

Chronic insufficient intake, altered absorption, and increased excretion.

What are the consequences of calcium deficiency?

Hypocalcemia, poor mineral bone density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis.

What is hypercalcemia?

A condition of high serum calcium that can lead to kidney stones and soft-tissue calcification.

What are the roles of sodium, potassium, and chloride?

They are crucial for fluid concentration, acid-base balance, and nerve conduction.

What is the adequate intake (AI) for sodium for adults aged 19-50?

1.5 g (1500 mg) per day.

What percentage of salt in foods is added during processing?

77%.

What is hyponatremia?

A sodium deficiency that can occur with high sodium losses due to various factors like renal problems or excessive sweating.

What is the role of potassium in the body?

Potassium is important for nerve transmission and muscle contraction.

What is the AI for potassium for adults aged 19-50?

4.7 g (4700 mg) per day.

What can cause hypokalemia?

Reduced intake, increased losses, or a combination of both.

What is the role of iron in the body?

Iron is essential for the transportation of oxygen in hemoglobin.

What is the RDA for iron for adult males and females aged 19-50?

Males: 8 mg; Females: 18 mg; Pregnancy: 27 mg per day.

What are the two types of iron sources?

Heme iron (better absorbed from animal-based foods) and non-heme iron (less well absorbed from plant-based foods).

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Weakness, fatigue, paleness, exhaustion, and increased infection susceptibility.

What is hemochromatosis?

A genetic disorder resulting in increased iron storage, which can lead to organ damage.

What are the initial symptoms of iron toxicity from supplementation?

Nausea and diarrhea.

What is the consequence of excessive calcium supplementation?

It can decrease the absorption of other minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.