Absorption And Inter-relationship Of Nutrients

Question 1

Factors which assist calcium absorption?

Answer 1

1. Good supply of vitamin D
2. Lactose (sugar in milk)
3. Protein- amino acids formed during digestion of protein combine with calcium to assist absorption

Question 2

Factors which hinder calcium absorption?

Answer 2

1. A lack of vitamin D
2. Phytic acid, found in wholegrain cereals
3. Excess dietary fibre binds with the calcium in food and is passed out of the body

Question 3

Factors which assist iron absorption?

Answer 3

A good supply of vitamin C to help iron change from the ferric to ferrous state so it can be asorbed

Question 4

Factors that hinder iron absorption?

Answer 4

1. Lack of vitamin C

2. Too much digestible dietary fibre, which binds with the iron and transports it out of the body

Question 5

What is the inter relationship of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D?

Answer 5

• Calcium and phosphorus are both needed together for formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, together they form calcium phosphate which gives bones and teeth their hardness
• Vitamin D is the essential link

Question 6

What is the interrelationship between folic acid, vitamin C and iron?

Answer 6

• Iron obtained by food is called ferric iron, which cannot be absorbed by the body, vitamin C changes it into the ferrous state which is easily absorbed by the body
• However, if there is a shortage of vitamin C, folic acid takes over the ‘nutcracker’ role

Question 7

What is the interrelationship between the vitamin B complex and carbohydrates?

Answer 7

Vitamin B helps release energy from carbohydrate foods