Nutrition and Mineral Functions Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What role does aldosterone play in hypertension?

It promotes potassium retention.

It directly lowers blood pressure.

It helps save sodium, increasing water retention. (correct)

It decreases blood volume.

What is the recommended adequate intake (AI) of potassium per day?

4700 mg/day (correct)

3000 mg/day

5000 mg/day

3500 mg/day

Which of the following populations is at higher risk for hypokalemia?

Individuals with normal kidney function

Individuals taking diuretics (correct)

People consuming potassium-rich foods

Healthy adults with a balanced diet

What condition is characterized by an excess of potassium in the body?

Hyperkalemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant health concern regarding potassium intake in Americans?

Low consumption of potassium Signup and view all the answers

What amount characterizes major minerals in the diet?

100 mg or more per day Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the human body is made up of water?

50 to 75% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of potassium in the body?

Facilitating nerve impulses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary function of calcium in the body?

Bone formation and maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Which gland secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH) when blood calcium levels are low?

Parathyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

What is a health risk associated with a deficiency of potassium?

Weakness and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes intracellular water?

Water within the cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor influencing the body's ability to absorb minerals?

Food preparation methods Signup and view all the answers

Magnesium plays a critical role in how many chemical reactions in the body?

Over 300 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of calcium in the diets of many Americans?

Dairy products Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical daily water intake that balances daily water lost by the body?

2.6 quarts/day Signup and view all the answers

Calcium absorption in healthy adults is approximately what percentage?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which of these minerals is classified as a major mineral?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of dehydration?

Increased metabolic water production Signup and view all the answers

What primarily maintains the balance between intracellular and extracellular fluids?

Concentration of ions Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is released by the thyroid gland when blood calcium levels are high?

Calcitonin Signup and view all the answers

What condition can occur due to excessive water intake?

Water intoxication Signup and view all the answers

What happens to calcium absorption as people age?

It decreases due to various factors Signup and view all the answers

What role do the kidneys play in maintaining hydration?

Filtering excess ions from the blood Signup and view all the answers

What role does parathyroid hormone (PTH) play in calcium regulation?

Stimulates osteoclasts to release calcium into the bloodstream Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of 4% body fluid loss due to dehydration?

Loss of muscular strength and endurance Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of body water is classified as extracellular?

About 25% Signup and view all the answers

What are diuretics primarily known for?

Increasing urine output Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about water is TRUE?

Water is important for maintaining body temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of water weight typically found in fruits and vegetables ranges from?

60 to 95% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about severe dehydration is accurate?

It can result in a life-threatening condition. Signup and view all the answers

How do hormones contribute to water conservation?

By regulating water retention Signup and view all the answers

What condition is most commonly associated with low body iron stores?

Iron-deficiency anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which form of iron is better absorbed by the body?

Heme iron Signup and view all the answers

What is the average recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iron for women aged 19 to 50 years?

18 mg/day Signup and view all the answers

How much iron is typically absorbed from enriched grains?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What are common symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

Weakness and muscle pain Signup and view all the answers

Which population is at the greatest risk for iron-deficiency anemia?

Pregnant women and children Signup and view all the answers

What role does ferritin play in the body?

Stores iron in the liver Signup and view all the answers

What are potential effects of chronic iron deficiency?

Interference with cardiac function Signup and view all the answers

What is the upper limit of iron intake to avoid toxicity in adults?

45 mg/day Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of hereditary hemochromatosis?

Joint pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of iodine in the body?

Thyroid hormone production Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency?

Goiter Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral aids in nerve impulse transmission and is known to help balance body water?

Sodium Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of iodine toxicity?

Thyroid dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

Which food source is not considered high in potassium?

White bread Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of iodine deficiency in infants born to iodine-deficient mothers?

Cretinism Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions and utilizes ATP?

Magnesium Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended upper limit for sodium daily intake?

2300 mg Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water

Water makes up 50-75% of body weight
It is not a source of energy
Water is easily absorbed
Water is a crucial component in many bodily functions including:
- Solvent for many substances
- Transporting substances
- Lubricating tissues
- Regulating body temperature
- Digesting foods
- Participating in chemical reactions
- Maintaining proper blood pH
Removing waste products

Water Distribution

Intracellular water: Located inside cells, approximately 2/3 of total body water.
Extracellular water: Located outside cells, surrounding cells or in bodily fluids.

Body Water Distribution

Balance is maintained by ions (particularly sodium, potassium, chloride, and phosphate ions) within and outside the cells.

Sources of Water Intake

Beverages
Foods (Fruits and vegetables typically contain 60-95% water)
Metabolic water: Formed by cells as a metabolic byproduct

Kidneys and Hydration

Regulate body water content and ion concentrations
Maintain proper hydration by filtering excess ions from the blood
Removes excess ions (including sodium) in urine
Water is the primary component of urine
Remove drugs and metabolic wastes
Urea – waste product of protein metabolism
Kidney stones can form due to inadequate water intake

Water Conservation

Diuretics, like caffeine and alcohol, increase urine output.
Water conservation relies on hormones to protect against dehydration.

Dehydration

Body water depletion
Can be caused by restricting fluid intake, profuse sweating, or a combination of both.
Severe dehydration is life-threatening.

Body Fluid Loss and Symptoms

1-2% : Fatigue and thirst
4%: Muscle weakness
7-10%: Severe weakness
20%: Coma & death

Minerals: Basic Concepts

Minerals are elements found in Earth's rock, soil, and water.
About 15 mineral elements are essential nutrients.
Classified as Micronutrients.
Needed in mg or mcg amounts
Serve various physiological roles including:
- Structural components of tissues
- Fluid balance
- Chemical reaction cofactors

Classification of Minerals

Major minerals: Required in amounts of 100mg or more per day.
Trace minerals: Required in amounts of less than 100mg per day.
Possible essential minerals: Roles in the body are not fully understood.

Calcium (Ca)

Most plentiful mineral in the body.
Functions include bone formation and maintenance, muscle contraction, blood clot formation, nerve impulse transmission, and cell metabolism.
Fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese are major dietary sources.
Absorption (approximately 30%) increases during growth, but decreases with age and vitamin D deficiency.

Calcium Toxicity

Upper Limit (UL) = 2.0-2.5 g/day
Potential issues include kidney stones, soft tissue calcification, and interference with absorption of other minerals.

Sodium (Na)

Table salt is the primary source of sodium in the diet.
Functions include nerve impulse conduction, transporting glucose and amino acids into cells, and normal muscle function.

Sodium Deficiency and Toxicity

Deficiency can occur with significant fluid loss.
Toxicity is associated with high sodium intake and increased risk of hypertension. Dietary guidelines recommend a sodium intake below 2300 mg/day.

Potassium (K)

Necessary for nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction.
Potassium-rich diets might reduce blood pressure.
Most Americans consume approximately 2700 mg/day.

Potassium Deficiency and Excess

Deficiency – Rare but can involve symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and irregular heartbeat.
Excess – Rare, but can occur in those with impaired kidney function.

Magnesium (Mg)

Involved in over 300 chemical reactions in the body.
Key roles include regulation of muscle and nerve function, maintenance of strong bones, and strengthening the immune system.
Deficiencies can lead to symptoms such as weakness, muscle pain, poor heart function, and seizures.

Iron (Fe)

Component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, involved in oxygen transport and energy release from macronutrients.
Heme iron is more readily absorbed than non-heme iron.
Dietary iron intake can be impacted by various factors.

Iron Deficiency and Toxicity

Deficiency – can lead to anemia, affecting several functions.
Iron is at risk for deficiency, especially in women.
Toxicity – May occur due to supplements, often involves vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms escalating to coma or death.

Iodine (I)

Essential component of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine).
Important role in regulating metabolic rate, growth, brain development, and nervous system development.
Deficiencies lead to goiter and cretinism.
Saltwater seafood and seaweed are good sources.

Iodine Deficiency and Toxicity

Iodine deficiency – leads to goiter and cretinism (a condition impacting infants).
Iodine toxicity – can lead to effects on the thyroid gland, sometimes leading towards hyper or hypothyroidism.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the roles of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the body. This quiz covers dietary recommendations, health risks related to mineral deficiencies, and the significance of these minerals in maintaining overall health. Ideal for students studying nutrition or health science.