Minerals In The Body Quiz

Calcium is the mineral that requires Vitamin D and PTH (parathyroid hormone) to be absorbed. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestines, while PTH helps to regulate calcium levels in the blood. Without these two factors, the absorption of calcium would be impaired.

Magnesium is an essential component of the chlorophyll molecule. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants and is responsible for capturing sunlight during photosynthesis. It plays a crucial role in converting sunlight into chemical energy. Magnesium is located at the center of the chlorophyll molecule and is responsible for absorbing light energy. Without magnesium, chlorophyll would not be able to carry out its function effectively, leading to a disruption in the process of photosynthesis.

Corticosteroids, when present in high doses as seen in Cushing's disease, can increase the renal excretion of calcium. This is because corticosteroids can enhance the reabsorption of sodium in the renal tubules, which in turn can lead to increased calcium excretion. Therefore, corticosteroids can affect calcium homeostasis in the body, potentially leading to higher levels of calcium being excreted through the kidneys.

Calcium supplements decrease the absorption of iron. This is because both calcium and iron compete for absorption in the body. When calcium intake is high, it can interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron effectively. This is particularly important for individuals who have low iron levels or are at risk of iron deficiency, as it may further reduce their iron absorption and potentially exacerbate the deficiency. Therefore, it is recommended to separate the intake of calcium and iron supplements to ensure optimal absorption of both minerals.

Potassium is the major intracellular cation because it plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes within cells. It is essential for proper cell function, including the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and the regulation of heartbeat. Potassium is also involved in maintaining proper pH levels and supporting the function of enzymes.

Calcium absorption occurs best in an acidic environment. This is because the acidic environment helps to break down calcium into its ionized form, which is more easily absorbed by the body. In an alkaline environment, calcium may form insoluble salts, making it difficult for the body to absorb. Therefore, an acidic environment is preferred for optimal calcium absorption.

The average adult male has approximately 1.2 kilograms of calcium in their body. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting proper muscle and nerve function. It is stored in the bones and teeth, and also found in the blood and other bodily fluids. This amount of calcium is necessary for maintaining overall health and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.

PTH (parathyroid hormone) is secreted when serum calcium levels are low in order to increase calcium levels in the blood. PTH achieves this by increasing calcium release from the bone, increasing activation of Vitamin D (which helps in calcium absorption from the intestines), and increasing calcium reabsorption from urine by the kidneys. However, PTH does not increase bone deposition of calcium, as its main role is to mobilize calcium from the bone and increase its availability in the blood.

Calcitriol and PTH both work to decrease the excretion of calcium. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D and it acts on the kidneys to promote the reabsorption of calcium, reducing its excretion in the urine. PTH, on the other hand, is a hormone released by the parathyroid glands that stimulates the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys, preventing its loss through urine. Therefore, both Calcitriol and PTH play a role in decreasing the excretion of calcium from the body.

Calcium is classified as an extracellular mineral because it is primarily found outside of cells in the body. It plays a crucial role in various physiological processes such as bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, and it is also present in the extracellular fluid, where it helps regulate blood clotting, enzyme activity, and cell signaling. While calcium does have some intracellular functions, its overall distribution and significance in the extracellular space make it primarily an extracellular mineral.

Canned fish is a good source of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also helps in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Canned fish, such as sardines or salmon, are often consumed with their bones intact, which are a rich source of calcium. Therefore, including canned fish in the diet can help meet the body's calcium requirements.

Zinc is the mineral that is bound to the plasma protein albumin. Albumin is a protein found in the blood plasma that is responsible for carrying various substances, including minerals. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many physiological processes, such as immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It is known to bind to albumin, which helps transport it throughout the body and maintain its proper levels.

Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in regulating electrolyte balance in the body. It primarily acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium ions and the excretion of potassium ions. Therefore, it is associated with the mineral sodium.

Dysfunction of both the parathyroid and thyroid glands can cause a calcium imbalance. The parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels in the body by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which increases calcium levels when they are low. The thyroid gland, on the other hand, produces calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels by inhibiting its release from bones. Therefore, dysfunction of either gland can disrupt the balance of calcium in the body.

Phosphorus is a mineral that acts as a cofactor and activates Thiamin, B6, and Niacin. Cofactors are substances that are required for the proper functioning of enzymes, which are essential for various biochemical reactions in the body. Thiamin, B6, and Niacin are B-vitamins that play crucial roles in energy metabolism and cellular processes. Phosphorus is involved in the activation of these vitamins, allowing them to perform their functions effectively. Therefore, Phosphorus is the correct answer in this context.

Potassium would be used therapeutically for Arrhythmia & Tachycardia because it plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical balance in the heart. Potassium helps regulate the heart's rhythm and ensures proper functioning of the cardiac muscles. A deficiency in potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, including arrhythmia and tachycardia. Therefore, supplementing with potassium can help restore the normal heart rhythm and treat these conditions.

Calcium competes with zinc, manganese, copper, and iron in the small intestine. This means that when these minerals are present together in the small intestine, they may all compete for absorption, leading to reduced absorption of calcium.

Each day, approximately 700 grams of calcium is exchanged between bones and blood. This exchange is crucial for maintaining proper bone health and overall calcium balance in the body. Calcium plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. The constant exchange between bones and blood ensures that calcium levels are regulated and sufficient for these essential functions.

Phosphate is the mineral that maintains the pH of body fluids including urine. Phosphate acts as a buffer in the body, helping to regulate and stabilize the pH levels. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body, preventing excessive acidity or alkalinity. This is important for various physiological processes and overall health.

Sodium is a mineral that acts as a cofactor to salivary amylase, pancreatic enzymes, and phosphorylase B in the liver. These enzymes require sodium to function properly and carry out their respective roles in the body. Sodium is involved in various physiological processes, including the breakdown of carbohydrates and the regulation of enzyme activity. Therefore, it is essential for the proper functioning of these enzymes in the salivary glands, pancreas, and liver.

The hormones adlosterone, oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisone all increase the loss of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining proper nerve and muscle function, regulating blood pressure, and balancing fluids in the body. These hormones can affect the kidneys' ability to reabsorb potassium, leading to increased excretion of potassium in urine and ultimately causing a loss of this mineral.

Vitamin B12 does not increase zinc absorption. While picolinic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, and adequate hydrochloric acid all contribute to increased zinc absorption, vitamin B12 does not have the same effect.

Calcium is the correct answer because it plays a crucial role in protecting against heavy and toxic metals. It helps in the detoxification process by binding to these metals and preventing their absorption into the body. Calcium also supports the proper functioning of various organs, including the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. Additionally, calcium aids in the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, and it is involved in numerous cellular processes, making it an essential mineral for overall health and well-being.

Excessive intakes of lysine increase the excretion of calcium. Lysine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in the absorption and utilization of calcium in the body. However, when lysine intake exceeds the body's needs, it can lead to increased calcium excretion. This can disrupt the balance of calcium in the body and potentially contribute to calcium deficiencies or imbalances.

In renal disease, the kidneys are not functioning properly, leading to imbalances in electrolytes and minerals. Giving certain minerals can worsen the condition. Sodium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus should not be given in renal disease as they can contribute to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances. Calcium, on the other hand, can be given in controlled amounts as it helps in maintaining bone health.

Phytates and oxalates are compounds found in certain foods that can bind to minerals, preventing their absorption in the body. In this case, phytates and oxalates decrease the absorption of magnesium and calcium. This means that even if these minerals are present in the diet, their availability for the body to use and benefit from is reduced. Sodium and potassium are not affected by phytates and oxalates in the same way, so their absorption is not decreased.