Absorption and Inter-Relationship of Nutrients

Question 1

Factors that assist calcium absorption

Answer 1

• Good supply of vitamin D
• Lactose
• Protein

Question 2

Factors that hinder calcium absorption

Answer 2

• Lack of vitamin D
• Excess dietary fibre

Question 3

Factors that assist iron absorption

Answer 3

Good supply of vitamin C

Question 4

Factors that hinder iron absorption

Answer 4

• Lack of vitamin C
• Too much dietary fibre

Question 5

Inter-relationship between calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Inter-relationship between vitamin C, folic acid, and iron

Answer 6

• Iron in food is in ‘ferric’ state and cannot be absorbed until in ‘ferrous’ state
• Vitamin C is required to change iron into this state
• When iron is low, folic acid does it instead to prevent anaemia

Question 7

Inter-relationship between vitamin B complex and carbohydrates

Answer 7

Vitamin B helps release energy from carbohydrate foods