Nutritional Functions of Minerals

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Questions and Answers

Which mineral is critical for blood clotting and muscle function?

  • Iron
  • Calcium (correct)
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium

What is the primary role of potassium in the human body?

  • Promoting bone health
  • Activating enzyme reactions
  • Supporting muscle contractions, especially of the heart (correct)
  • Maintaining extracellular fluid volume

Which trace mineral is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones?

  • Selenium
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Iodine (correct)

Which mineral acts as a cofactor in the oxidation process of iron?

<p>Copper (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does magnesium primarily serve in the body?

<p>Activation of enzymes and muscle contraction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nutrient contributes to the structure of bones and teeth along with calcium?

<p>Phosphorus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does zinc play in the body?

<p>Serves as an antioxidant (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which macromineral is involved in maintaining acid-base homeostasis?

<p>Chloride (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sodium-to-potassium ratio in the body?

<p>It maintains normal blood pressure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral's absorption is impacted by specific needs during pregnancy?

<p>Calcium (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What dietary component can enhance the absorption of iron?

<p>Orange juice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process significantly helps in meeting required mineral daily values (DV)?

<p>Food fortification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vitamin was first added to milk in response to childhood rickets?

<p>Vitamin D (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is most impacted by phytates found in whole grains?

<p>Calcium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about breakfast cereals that are fortified?

<p>They guarantee overall nutritional excellence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for nurses to use evidence-based practice (EBP) in nutrition?

<p>To support care with scientific evidence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which groups have higher iron needs due to physiological changes?

<p>Pregnant women and premenopausal women (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential limitation of using single-nutrient supplements?

<p>They may not address overall dietary balance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does TikToker @TheWellnessPharm suggest individuals use to assess their micronutrient levels?

<p>A micronutrient testing kit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme among Instagram forums discussed in relation to micronutrient intake?

<p>Encouraging mindful eating practices (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should one approach the use of the social media sources for evidence-based practice (EBP)?

<p>Evaluate the scientific validity of the information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential downside of relying on social media for nutritional information?

<p>Information can be scientifically unsound (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What alternative source might be more reliable for learning about micronutrient intake compared to social media?

<p>Peer-reviewed nutrition journals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which practice should clients be encouraged to adopt when consuming information from social media regarding nutrition?

<p>Critically assess and cross-reference the information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Nutritional Functions of Minerals

  • Essential minerals are vital for various bodily functions and can be found in cereals, meat, fish, dairy, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Approximately 20 minerals are necessary for human function, classified into macrominerals (needed in amounts >100 mg/day) and trace minerals (needed in amounts <100 mg/day).

Key Macrominerals and Their Functions

  • Calcium: Important for bone structure, muscle function, blood clotting, and hormone secretion.
  • Phosphorus: Contributes to bone and teeth structure, and DNA/RNA formation.
  • Potassium: Maintains intracellular fluid volume and is critical for heart muscle contraction.
  • Sodium: Regulates extracellular fluid volume, essential for nerve and muscle function.
  • Chloride: Aids in acid–base balance and maintains urine/plasma electroneutrality.
  • Magnesium: Activates enzymes and supports muscle contraction and signaling.
  • Sulfur: Acts as a cofactor in oxidative processes and is a metabolite of methionine.

Key Trace Minerals and Their Functions

  • Iron: Integral for red blood cell development and energy metabolism.
  • Zinc: Protects cells as an antioxidant and is a coenzyme for numerous enzymes.
  • Iodine: Critical for thyroid hormone production.
  • Chromium: May enhance metabolism of macronutrients by improving insulin function.
  • Copper: Necessary for cellular oxidation and iron metabolism.
  • Fluoride: Supports bone and dental health.
  • Molybdenum: Assists in metabolizing sulfur-containing amino acids.
  • Manganese: Functions as an antioxidant and supports metabolic enzyme activities.
  • Selenium: Needed for thyroid function and DNA synthesis.

Absorption and Interactions of Minerals

  • Mineral absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine and varies based on specific needs, such as increased calcium absorption during pregnancy.
  • Absorption can be influenced by dietary components; for example, iron is better absorbed in an acidic environment, and compounds like phytates can inhibit the absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Mineral Intake for Wellness

  • Adequate mineral intake is crucial for metabolic and physiologic functions throughout life, with varying needs based on age and sex.
  • A balanced diet rich in vegetables, legumes, nuts, lean meats, and seafood generally meets mineral requirements.
  • Food fortification has historically addressed deficiencies, such as adding iodine to salt to combat goiter and vitamin D to milk to prevent rickets.

Considerations for Dietary Supplements and Social Media

  • There is a growing trend of using single-nutrient supplements; however, food sources are often adequate for most.
  • Social media influencers promote micronutrient awareness and the potential use of testing kits to assess individual nutrient levels.
  • Critical evaluation of sources on social media is necessary, focusing on evidence-based practices.

Recommendations for Client Education

  • Encourage clients to rely on credible, evidence-based sources for nutritional information.
  • Suggest alternative educational resources such as government health websites, registered dietitians, and peer-reviewed journals for reliable information on micronutrient needs.

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