Diet and Nutrition - Chapters 8 and 9 Minerals & Water/Digestion

* Represent 4% of total body weight.

* Help regulate bodily functions (like vitamins).

* Do NOT provide energy.

*Calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur and chloride.

*More than 5 g (1 tsp) present in body.

*Intake requirement: 100 mg or less daily.

Secreted by parathyroid gland (behind thyroid) when calcium level

*Secreted by the thyroid gland when the serum calcium level is too high.

* Best animal sources - milk and milk products

* Best plant sources - turnip/mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, legumes and dried fruits.

* 3rd most common cause of hypercalcemia.

* Associated with the use of milk/cream antacid treatment and postmenopausal women taking calcium carbonate to prevent osteoporosis.

* 70% sodium in body is in blood/extracellular fluids; 30% on surface of bone crystals.

* Major role in maintaining fluid balance in body.

* Also necessary for transmission of electrochemical impulses along nerve and muscle membranes.

* Also helps in fluid balance.

*Essential for the conduction of nerve impulses & muscle contractions (heart).

*Helps maintain body's electrolyte and acid-base balance.

* Normal value: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L.

When the body excretes hydrogen and retains potassium.

When the body excretes potassium to conserve hydrogen.

* Low potassium, less than 3.5 mEq/L.

* Can be fatal

* Caused by: Increased losses in urine/stool/sweat; alkalosis; overhydration with plain water by perspiring athletes.

* Related to diet only in cases of severe protein-calorie malnutrition.

* Weak, irregular pulse; cardiac arrest.

* Level of iron in blood.

* Men: 14 - 18 g/100 mL blood.

* Women: 12 - 16 g/100 mL blood.

* Percentage of red blood cells in blood.

* Men: 40 - 54%

* Women: 36 - 46%

Surplus iron stored in liver

* When large amounts of hemosiderin are deposited in the liver and spleen.

* If prolonged, can lead to hemochromatosis - disease of iron metabolism where iron accumulates in and damages tissues.