Water and Minerals Flashcards

Flashcards for Water and Minerals Lecture Review

Water (H2O)

Consists of 2 hydrogen and 1 oxygen atom; most important for sustaining life after oxygen; makes up 50-75% of total body weight.

Lean Tissue Water Content

Approximately 73% water.

Adipose Tissue Water Content

Approximately 20% water.

Functions of Water

Major solvent, participates in chemical reactions, transport, waste removal, lubrication, temperature regulation, acid-base balance; major component of body fluids.

ICF (Intracellular Fluid)

Fluid inside the cell; makes up 2/3 of body water.

ECF (Extracellular Fluid)

Fluid outside (surrounds) the cell; makes up 1/3 of body water.

Interstitial Fluid

Fluid in between cells; provides medium for nutrient and metabolic product exchange.

Intravascular Fluid

Blood and lymph.

Ion

Atom with an unequal number of electrons and protons.

Anion

Ion with more electrons (negative charge).

Cation

Ion with more protons (positive charge).

Intracellular Ions

Cations: Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg); Anions: Phosphate, Sulfate

Extracellular Ions

Cations: Sodium (Na), Calcium (Ca); Anions: Chloride (Cl), Bicarbonate (HCO3)

Electrolytes

Ions (Na, K, Mg, P, Cl) that conduct electricity; influence fluid volume and balance.

Membrane Transport

Process that helps cells obtain materials and eliminate waste.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

Cell barrier that allows passage of certain substances and prevents movement of others.

Simple Diffusion

Movement of substances from a region of high concentration to low concentration.

Osmosis

Passive diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane, from lower to higher solute concentration.

Water Intake Adequate Intake

AI: 3.7 L/day for males, 2.7 L/day for females.

Metabolic Water

Water formed during metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Sensible Water Loss

Noticeable water loss, such as through urine and sweat.

Insensible Water Loss

Water loss not normally noticed, through lungs, feces, and skin via normal perspiration.

Kidneys

Major regulator of the body's water content and electrolyte concentration.

ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone)

Hormone that signals the kidney to reabsorb water, decreasing urine output.

Aldosterone

Hormone that signals kidneys to retain sodium and increase water absorption.

Dehydration

Body water depletion; occurs when fluid loss exceeds intake.

Symptoms of 1-2% Dehydration

Thirst, fatigue.

Diuretic

Substance that increases urine production.

Water Intoxication

Develops with rapid consumption of large quantities of water, leading to hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia

Low sodium concentration in the blood.

Minerals

Essential, inorganic elements needed in small amounts for normal function, growth, and maintenance of body tissue.

Major Minerals

Minerals needed in amounts greater than 100 mg/day (Ca, Na, K, Mg, P, Cl, S).

Trace Minerals

Minerals needed in amounts less than 100 mg/day (Fe, Zn, Cu, I, Se, Cr, Mn, Mo).

Bioavailability of Minerals

The extent to which the body can absorb and use minerals; varies based on source and other dietary factors.

Cofactor

Substance that enables enzymes to carry out chemical reactions; some minerals act as cofactors.

Calcium (Ca)

Most abundant divalent cation in the body; structural component of bones and teeth.

Calcium RDA

1000 mg/day for adults, 1200 mg/day for women >50 and men >70.

Sources of Calcium

Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, tofu, fortified foods.

Functions of Calcium

Bone development and maintenance, muscle contraction, blood clot formation, nerve impulse transmission, cell metabolism.

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels by increasing kidney reabsorption, calcitriol production, and bone breakdown.

Calcitonin

Hormone that decreases blood calcium levels by increasing urinary excretion and bone building.

Osteoporosis

Chronic disease characterized by loss of bone mass and decreased bone structure.

Hypercalcemia

High blood calcium levels; can be caused by excessive supplementation.

Sodium (Na)

Major cation extracellularly; plays role in fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and transport of substances into cells.

Sources of Sodium

Salt (NaCl), processed foods, restaurants.

Sodium Adequate Intake

1500 mg/day.

Hyponatremia

Rare condition of low blood sodium; can occur with excessive sweating and water intake.

CDRR (Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Intake) for Sodium

2300 mg/day.

HTN (Hypertension)

High blood pressure; can be exacerbated by high sodium intake.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; high in fruits/vegetables, low-fat dairy, and nuts; low in sodium, total fat, and saturated fat.

Potassium (K)

Major cation intracellularly; plays key role in fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission.

Sources of Potassium

Fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grains, dried beans/legumes, meat.

Phosphorus (P)

Essential mineral in every cell; involved in bone and teeth formation, energy production, regulation of reactions, and component of DNA/RNA and cell membranes.

Magnesium (Mg)

Cofactor in >300 enzymes; involved in bone maintenance, immune system health, and regulation of muscle/nerve function, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

Chloride (Cl)

Primary negative charged ion in extracellular fluid; maintains fluid and acid-base balance, nerve impulse transmission, and HCl production in stomach.

Iron (Fe)

Component of hemoglobin and myoglobin that carries oxygen; involved in energy generation and immune system function.

Zinc (Zn)

Component of numerous enzymes; involved in growth and development, DNA/RNA synthesis, heme synthesis, bone formation, taste acuity, reproduction, wound healing, healthy skin, and immune function.

Copper (Cu)

Component of antioxidant enzymes; promotes iron metabolism and involved in immune function and collagen production.

Iodine (I)

Component of thyroid hormones; essential for normal thyroid function and metabolic rate.

Fluoride (F)

Helps strengthen teeth and bones; increases resistance of tooth enamel to cavity formation.

Selenium (Se)

Component of selenoproteins, many of which are antioxidants; necessary for normal immune function and thyroid hormone production.

Chromium (Cr)

Helps maintain proper carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; may enhance insulin's action on cell membranes.

Manganese (Mn)

Component and activator of many enzymes involved in wound healing, metabolism, synthesis of protein matrix in bone and collagen, and antioxidant system.

Molybdenum (Mo)

Cofactor in 4 enzymes; mainly oxidases.