Minerals: Basic Concepts
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Questions and Answers

How do plants obtain the minerals they need?

Plants obtain the minerals they need from soil or fertilizer.

What is the primary way animals obtain minerals?

Animals obtain minerals when they consume plants and other animals or substances that contain these elements.

What is the significance of the fact that minerals are indestructible?

Heating a food or exposing it to most other environmental conditions will not affect the food's mineral content.

What is one way to obtain minerals from food that would otherwise be discarded?

<p>Using the cooking water to make soups or sauces</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of a mineral that forms an inorganic structural component of tissues?

<p>Calcium in bones and teeth</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mineral ion that participates in blood clotting?

<p>Calcium ions (Ca2+)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many mineral elements have known functions in the body?

<p>About 15</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if the body is exposed to excessive amounts of minerals?

<p>Toxicity can occur</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do people need to be cautious when taking dietary supplements containing individual minerals?

<p>Because many minerals have a narrow range of safe intake and it is easy to consume a toxic amount, which can also interfere with the absorption or metabolism of other minerals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of a large amount of zinc in the intestinal tract on copper absorption?

<p>It decreases copper absorption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When are single-mineral supplements generally necessary?

<p>When prescribed to treat a specific medical condition, such as iron deficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a daily multiple vitamin and mineral supplement generally considered safe for healthy people?

<p>Because it does not provide high amounts of minerals and is less likely to cause toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of taking dietary supplements containing individual minerals?

<p>It can lead to toxicity and interfere with the absorption or metabolism of other minerals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a cofactor in the human body?

<p>A cofactor is a metallic ion or small molecule that activates certain chemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of excessive mineral accumulation in the body?

<p>Toxicity signs and symptoms occur when minerals accumulate in the body to such an extent that they interfere with the functioning of cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is bioavailability of minerals important, especially during periods of growth?

<p>The body's ability to absorb and use minerals (bioavailability) depends on many factors, including the body's need for the mineral, and increases during periods of growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference in mineral content between plant and animal foods?

<p>Animal products tend to be more reliable sources of minerals, such as iron and calcium, while plants supply more magnesium and manganese.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include whole-grain products in your diet?

<p>Whole-grain products contain more natural mineral content, such as selenium, zinc, copper, and other micronutrients, which are lost during refinement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of fluoride in public water supplies?

<p>Fluoride strengthens bones and teeth when consumed in adequate amounts, and is often added to public water supplies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of consuming 'hard' water?

<p>Hard water naturally contains a variety of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, and zinc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do people often drink bottled water instead of tap water?

<p>People often drink bottled water because they think it tastes better and is safer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of following MyPlate recommendations for mineral intake?

<p>Following MyPlate recommendations can help ensure adequate intake of essential minerals from a variety of plant and animal sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to maintain an adequate supply of minerals in the body?

<p>The body loses small amounts of essential minerals every day, and people should choose their diets carefully to maintain an adequate supply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minerals: Basic Concepts

  • Minerals are inorganic elements found in Earth's rocks, soils, and natural water sources.
  • Plants obtain minerals from soil or fertilizer, while animals get them by consuming plants and other animals.
  • About 15 mineral elements have known functions in the human body and are necessary for health.

Functions of Minerals

  • Minerals form inorganic structural components of tissues, such as calcium and phosphorus in bones and teeth.
  • Minerals function as inorganic ions, participating in blood clotting, fluid balance, and acid-base balance.
  • Some ions, like magnesium and copper, are cofactors, activating chemical reactions.
  • Minerals are components of enzymes, hormones, and other organic molecules, like cobalt in vitamin B-12 and iron in hemoglobin.

Absorption and Retention of Minerals

  • The body absorbs more minerals than it needs, with the excess excreted in urine or feces.
  • The body stores extra minerals in the liver, bones, or other tissues.
  • Toxicity signs and symptoms occur when minerals accumulate and interfere with cellular function.

Sources of Minerals

  • Food groups from MyPlate that are rich sources of minerals include:
    • Dairy products (calcium, phosphorus)
    • Meat, poultry, fish, and beans (iron, zinc)
    • Fruits (potassium, copper)
    • Vegetables (magnesium, manganese)
    • Grains (selenium, copper)
  • Animal foods tend to be more reliable sources of minerals, such as iron and calcium, due to higher concentrations.
  • Plant foods can contain substances that reduce mineral bioavailability, like phytates and oxalates.

Factors Affecting Mineral Bioavailability

  • The body's need for the mineral increases bioavailability, especially during growth periods like infancy and puberty.
  • Processing and refinement of plant foods can lower their natural mineral content.
  • Tap water can be a source of minerals, including fluoride, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Dietary Supplements and Minerals

  • A daily multiple vitamin and mineral supplement is generally safe for healthy people.
  • Dietary supplements containing individual minerals, like iron or selenium, can be toxic if taken in excess.
  • Excess of one mineral can interfere with the absorption or metabolism of other minerals.

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Learn about the functions of minerals in the body, factors affecting absorption and retention of minerals, and how plants obtain minerals from soil or fertilizers.

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