Nutrition Chapter 12: Water and Minerals

Questions and Answers

What are the major minerals in the body?

Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium (the most abundant), Magnesium, Chloride

What factors influence bioavailability of minerals?

Status of nutritional values, binders (oxalate, phytates), low food stores

Describe how mineral salts dissociate in water.

Salts dissolve in water and dissociate into ions, both positive and negative ions.

What are ions?

Atoms/molecules that have gained or lost electrons and have electrical charges. Signup and view all the answers

What are cations and anions?

Cations are positively charged ions; anions are negatively charged ions. Signup and view all the answers

If a mineral ion has a positive charge of 1, how many protons versus electrons does it have?

One more proton than electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What minerals are involved with growth and maintenance of bones?

Phosphorus, Calcium, and Magnesium Signup and view all the answers

List the functions of sodium in the body.

Maintains normal fluid and electrolyte balance, assists in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Signup and view all the answers

How is sodium involved in fluid balance?

When blood sodium rises, thirst signals the person to drink until the appropriate sodium to water concentration is restored. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the mechanisms used to correct dehydration in the body.

If sodium drops, both sodium and water must be replenished through ordinary foods. Signup and view all the answers

From what sources do we obtain water in our diets?

8-12 cups (2-3 liters), most fruits and vegetables, many meats and cheeses. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions do individuals experience sodium deficiency?

Vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating. Symptoms include muscle cramps, mental apathy, loss of appetite. Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of foods supply most of the sodium in our diets?

Processed foods, table salt, soy sauce, meats, milks, breads, vegetables. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the average daily intake of sodium to the tolerable upper limit of sodium and discuss ways to decrease sodium levels in the diet.

Upper level: 2300 mg/day; AI for 19-50 yrs: 1500 mg/day; AI for 51-70 yrs: 1300 mg/day; AI for >70 yrs: 1200 mg/day. Signup and view all the answers

How does high intake of sodium affect blood pressure and bone health?

It may contribute to high blood pressure, and excess salt results in a loss of calcium, diminishing bone health. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions do individuals experience sodium toxicity?

Prolonged excessive sodium intake. Symptoms include edema and acute hypertension. Signup and view all the answers

List the functions of potassium in the body.

Maintains normal fluid and electrolyte balance, facilitates many reactions, supports cell integrity, assists in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions. Signup and view all the answers

Where is most of the potassium located in the fluid compartments of the body?

Inside the body cells. Signup and view all the answers

How do potassium and sodium interact in muscle contraction and nerve transmission?

Low amounts of potassium and high amounts of sodium raise blood pressure and increase the risk of death from heart disease. Signup and view all the answers

List food sources of potassium.

All whole foods, including meats, milks, fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do potassium levels decrease in foods that are processed with sodium?

Processing often removes potassium while adding sodium. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions do individuals experience potassium deficiency?

Symptoms include irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, and glucose intolerance. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions do individuals experience potassium toxicity?

Overconsumption of supplements or potassium salts, certain diseases or treatments. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the functions of calcium in the body.

Mineralization of bones and teeth, involved in muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve functioning, blood clotting, blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Where is most of the calcium in the body found?

In the bones. Signup and view all the answers

Why is calcium in the blood strictly regulated within narrow limits?

Too much calcium can lead to kidney stones; low levels can cause uncontrolled muscle contraction. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the body maintains calcium levels in the blood.

Stomach acid keeps calcium soluble, and Vitamin D helps to make calcium-binding protein needed for absorption. Signup and view all the answers

List factors that increase calcium absorption.

Soluble calcium Signup and view all the answers

List food sources of calcium.

Milk and milk products like yogurt and cheese. Signup and view all the answers

Describe bone remodeling during growth, adulthood, and old age.

Osteoblasts build bone, while osteoclasts break down bone. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the effect of menopause on bone loss in women.

Bone density decreases due to hormonal changes. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does lifelong inadequate intake of calcium have on the body?

Leads to decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Signup and view all the answers

Does dietary calcium influence blood calcium?

Yes, adequate intake helps maintain proper blood calcium levels. Signup and view all the answers

Describe osteoporosis and its cause.

A disease in which bones become porous and fragile due to a loss of minerals; caused mainly by aging. Signup and view all the answers

What risk factors are associated with developing osteoporosis?

Aging, lifelong inadequate calcium intake, early menopause, vitamin D deficiency, genetics, low body weight, smoking, alcohol abuse, lack of physical activity. Signup and view all the answers

How can an aging individual maintain his/her bone density with lifestyle?

Through weight-bearing exercise like jogging. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits and pitfalls of calcium supplementation?

Benefits: supplies calcium to those intolerant or allergic; pitfalls include risk of high intake and possible heavy metals. Signup and view all the answers

How should one supplement with calcium for maximum absorption?

Low dosages of calcium and in between meals is best. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of magnesium and phosphorus in the body?

Phosphorus: mineralization of bones and teeth, energy metabolism; Magnesium: bone health, enzyme actions, nerve impulse transmission. Signup and view all the answers

List food sources for magnesium and phosphorus.

Phosphorus: all animal tissue; Magnesium: nuts, legumes, whole grains, dark greens, cocoa. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can one experience a deficiency of magnesium or phosphorus?

Phosphorus deficiency is very unlikely; magnesium deficiency can occur during alcohol abuse. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can one experience a toxicity of magnesium?

Rare but fatal, typically from supplements rather than diet. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Major Minerals in the Body

Major minerals include sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium (most abundant), magnesium, and chloride.

Bioavailability of Minerals

Influenced by nutritional status, presence of binders like oxalates and phytates, and levels of food stores.

Dissociation of Mineral Salts in Water

Salts dissolve in water, dissociating into positive and negative ions.

Ions, Cations, and Anions

Ions are atoms or molecules with electrical charges, formed by gaining or losing electrons.
Cations: positively charged ions; Anions: negatively charged ions.
A cation with a charge of 1 has one more proton than electrons.

Minerals Supporting Bone Health

Key minerals for bone growth and maintenance include phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.

Functions of Sodium

Maintains fluid and electrolyte balance and assists in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions.

Sodium and Fluid Balance

Increased blood sodium levels trigger thirst, prompting fluid intake to restore sodium-water balance.

Dehydration Mechanisms

Body replenishes lost sodium and water through diet; sodium levels drop require replacement through food.

Dietary Water Sources

Sources include fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and many beverages; recommended 8-12 cups (2-3 liters) daily.

Sodium Deficiency Causes and Symptoms

Caused by vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy sweating. Symptoms include muscle cramps, mental apathy, and loss of appetite.

Dietary Sodium Sources

Major sources are processed foods, table salt, soy sauce, meat, milk, bread, and certain vegetables.

Sodium Intake Recommendations

Tolerable upper limit for sodium: 2,300 mg/day. Adequate intake varies by age (1,200-1,500 mg/day for different age groups).

Sodium's Impact on Health

High sodium intake may increase blood pressure and lead to calcium loss, affecting bone health.

Sodium Toxicity Symptoms

Prolonged excessive sodium intake can cause edema and acute hypertension.

Functions of Potassium

Maintains fluid balance, supports reactions, aids in nerve impulses and muscle contractions.

Potassium's Role and Food Sources

Most potassium is found inside body cells; higher sodium levels raise blood pressure, while potassium lowers stroke risk.
Sources include meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Potassium Deficiency Causes and Symptoms

Symptoms: irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, glucose intolerance, and increased blood pressure.

Potassium Toxicity Causes and Symptoms

Can result from excessive supplementation; symptoms include muscle weakness and potential fatal heart issues.

Functions of Calcium

Essential for mineralizing bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve functioning, blood clotting, and blood pressure regulation.

Calcium Location in the Body

Most calcium is stored in the bones.

Regulation of Blood Calcium Levels

Blood calcium levels must be tightly regulated to prevent negative effects like kidney stones. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D play key roles.

Factors Influencing Calcium Absorption

Increased absorption occurs with solubility; factors reducing absorption remain undefined in the text provided.

Calcium Food Sources

Rich sources include milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Bone Remodeling

Involves osteoblasts (bone-building) and osteoclasts (bone-resorbing) processes affecting bone health across age stages.

Menopause and Bone Loss

Menopause leads to significant bone density reduction in women, influencing risk factors for osteoporosis.

Long-term Inadequate Calcium Intake

May result in decreased bone density and potential impact on blood calcium levels.

Osteoporosis Overview and Risk Factors

A condition marked by porous, fragile bones due to mineral loss, primarily caused by aging with various contributing factors.

Maintaining Bone Density in Older Adults

Engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as jogging supports bone health.

Calcium Supplementation Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits: useful for lactose intolerant individuals. Pitfalls: possible heavy metal contamination and high intake risks.

Maximizing Calcium Absorption

Recommended to take low doses of calcium between meals for optimal absorption.

Functions of Magnesium and Phosphorus

Phosphorus: bone mineralization, energy metabolism, acid-base balance. Magnesium: supports bone health, enzyme activity, and nerve impulses.

Food Sources of Magnesium and Phosphorus

Phosphorus is abundant in all animal tissue, while magnesium sources include nuts, legumes, whole grains, dark greens, and cocoa.

Conditions Leading to Mineral Deficiencies

Phosphorus deficiency is rare, while magnesium deficiency may occur during alcohol abuse.

Magnesium Toxicity

Rare but can be fatal, primarily resulting from excessive supplementation rather than food sources.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 12 on water and major minerals. This quiz covers essential minerals in the body, factors influencing their bioavailability, and how mineral salts behave in water. Test your knowledge and understanding of these vital nutrients.