Minerals

• What are minerals?

  Minerals are chemical substances that are naturally found in a wide range of plant and animal foods. They are needed by our bodies in small amounts every day for a variety of different jobs. This is why they are called micronutrients. Some minerals can be stored in the body.

  Without minerals the body would show signs of a deficiency disease. The symptoms of a deficiency disease vary, depending on the mineral that is missing from the diet.

  There are many minerals that are needed by the body.
• What is the main mineral in the body?

  Calcium
• How does calcium contribute to the strength of teeth and bones?


  Calcium is laid down in teeth and bones with other minerals to make them strong.
• What role does physical exercise play in calcium's function in the body?


  Physical exercise helps in the process of laying down calcium in bones and teeth.
• During which life stage is a large percentage of minerals laid down in the bones?


  Adolescence
• Why is vitamin D important for calcium absorption?


  Vitamin D enables calcium to be absorbed from food during digestion.
• What functions does calcium serve in the body besides strengthening bones and teeth?


  Calcium is needed for proper nerve and muscle function and for blood clotting.
• What are the main food sources of calcium?


  • Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other milk products
  • Green leafy vegetables
  • Fish with softened bones (e.g., canned fish)
  • Enriched soya drinks
  • Added to most types of flour by law
• What happens if there is not enough calcium in the body?


  The bones and teeth will weaken and bend under the body's weight.
• What is rickets and when does it occur?

  Rickets is a deficiency caused by a lack of vitamin D, leading to weak bones in children.
• What is osteomalacia?


  Osteomalacia means 'bad bones' and occurs in adults due to a lack of vitamin D affecting calcium absorption.
• What are the consequences of calcium deficiency on muscle and nerve function?


  The muscles and nerves will not work properly.
• What happens to blood clotting if there is insufficient calcium?


  Blood will not clot properly over a wound after an injury.
• What can cause excess calcium in the body?


  Too much vitamin D can lead to excess calcium absorption.
• What can happen if too much calcium is absorbed into the body?


  Some calcium may be deposited in organs like the kidneys, stopping them from working.
• What is peak bone mass and when is it typically reached?


  Peak bone mass is the maximum amount of minerals in bones, usually reached around 30 years of age.
• What happens if there is not enough calcium reaching the bones?


  The bones will never reach peak bone mass and are more likely to weaken and break.
• What does osteoporosis mean?


  Osteoporosis means 'porous bones.'
• When does osteoporosis typically become apparent?


  Osteoporosis usually becomes apparent in old age but can happen earlier in life.
• What happens to bones after reaching peak bone mass?


  Minerals are gradually removed from bones and not replaced, leading to weakness.
• What can happen to bones in severe cases of osteoporosis?


  They can become very weak and painful, likely to break easily.
• How can the rate of mineral loss from bones be slowed down?


  By ensuring enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet and staying physically active.
• What is the primary function of iron in the body?


  To make haemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen
• Why is Vitamin C important for iron?


  It enables iron to be absorbed from food during digestion
• What are the main food sources of iron?


  • Red meat, kidney, liver
  • Whole meal bread
  • Green leafy vegetables (e.g., watercress, spinach, cabbage)
  • Egg yolk
  • Dried apricots
  • Lentils
  • Cocoa, plain chocolate
  • Fortified breakfast cereals
• What condition can result from iron deficiency?

  Iron deficiency anaemia
• What are some symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia?


  Tiredness, lack of energy, weakness, pale skin, weak and split nails
• Why is it important for pregnant women to have enough iron in their diet?


  To allow unborn babies to build up a store of iron before birth
• What can happen if there is an excess of iron in the body?


  It can be poisonous to the body
• How can excess iron occur in the body?


  By taking too many iron supplements
• Why is oxygen important for body cells?


  It is needed to produce energy during respiration
• What happens if there is a deficiency of iron in relation to energy production?


  There will not be enough oxygen available for cells to produce energy
• What is one of the primary functions of sodium in the body?


  Sodium controls the amount of water in the body.
• How does sodium help in muscle function?


  Sodium helps to control nerves and muscles.
• In what way does sodium assist the body in energy usage?


  Sodium helps the body to use energy.
• What are the main food sources of sodium?

  • Salt (sodium chloride)
  • Foods with added salt (e.g., cheese, snack foods)
  • Canned fish, bacon, ham
  • Soy sauce, salted butter, fast foods
  • Baking powder (sodium bicarbonate)
  • Foods with monosodium glutamate
• What are the effects of sodium deficiency in the body?


  Deficiency can lead to muscle cramps.
• What can cause sodium deficiency?


  Loss of salt in sweat in hot climates or by sickness and diarrhoea.
• What are the effects of excess sodium in the body?


  Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure.
• How does excess sodium affect the heart and kidneys?


  It puts a strain on the heart and kidneys, affecting their efficiency.