Exam 3 nutrition: Major Minerals & Water

What is the most abundant mineral in the body?

Calcium

What does calcium do?

Builds bones and teeth and helps with muscle and nerve function.

What vitamin helps the body absorb calcium?

Vitamin D.

What health problem is related to weak bones?

Osteoporosis.

What does magnesium do?

Helps enzymes work and supports bones, muscles, and nerves.

Where is magnesium found in plants?

In chlorophyll.

What is phosphorus important for?

Bones, cartilage, DNA, RNA, phospholipids, and energy metabolism.

What is the second most abundant mineral in the body?

Phosphorus.

What is sodium's main job?

Helps control fluid balance.

What can too much sodium increase the risk of?

High blood pressure (hypertension).

What is the DASH diet?

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.

What does the DASH diet emphasize?

More potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and less sodium.

What is potassium important for?

Fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, including the heart.

What foods are good sources of potassium?

Fresh fruits and vegetables.

How does potassium affect blood vessels?

It helps relax blood vessel walls.

What is chloride important for?

Fluid balance and making stomach hydrochloric acid.

Where do we commonly get chloride?

Salt.

About how much of the body is water?

Around 50-70%.

What are the main jobs of water?

Transport, lubrication, protection, dissolving substances, and waste removal.

What is osmosis?

Movement of water across a membrane.

What is intracellular fluid?

Fluid inside cells.

What is extracellular fluid?

Fluid outside cells.

What is dehydration?

When the body loses more water than it takes in.

What is overhydration?

When the body has too much water.

What is hyponatremia?

Sodium levels in the blood are too low.

What is hypernatremia?

Sodium levels in the blood are too high.

What does antidiuretic hormone (ADH) help control?

How much water the kidneys keep or release.

What does the renin-angiotensin system help regulate?

Blood pressure and fluid balance.