Minerals - introduction

Question 1

Organic

Answer 1

A chemical structure containing carbon

Question 2

Inorganic

Answer 2

A chemical structure without carbon

Question 3

Mineral – Inorganic elements and absorption

Answer 3

Minerals are inorganic elements that originate in the earth that cannot be made by living organisms
* For humans to absorb and use minerals they must first bound to organic compounds (containing carbon)
* Plants obtain minerals from the soil and most of the minerals in our diet come directly from plants (or indirectly from the animal sources)
* Inorganic minerals may also be present in the water we drink (not usable by the body)
* Mineral levels from plants also vary depending on the mineral content in soil

Question 4

Minerals

Answer 4

• Minerals represents 4–5% of total body weight
• The body uses minerals to perform many different functions
• Minerals are found in all body tissues
• Calcium and phosphorus and make up the majority (approximately 75%)

Question 5

Macro minerals

Answer 5

Macro = Needed in larger amounts
* Calcium (Ca)
* Phosphorus (P)
* Magnesium (Mg)
* Potassium (K)
* Sodium (Na)
* Chloride (Cl)
* Sulphur (S)

Question 6

Trace minerals

Answer 6

Micro = Needed in trace amounts
* Iron (Fe)
* Zinc (Zn)
* Iodine (I)
* Selenium (Se)
* Manganese (Mn)
* Molybdenum (Mo)
* Copper (Cu)
* Chromium (Cr)
* Boron (B)
* Fluoride (F)
* Silicone (Si)

Question 7

Macro Minerals – Ionic State

Answer 7

Macro minerals exist in the body (and in food) mainly in the ionic state (as cations or anions)

Question 8

Cations

Answer 8

Cation = A positively charged ions

Cations:
* K+ (Potassium)
* Mg ²+ (Magnesium)
* Ca ²+ (Calcium)
* Na²+ (Sodium)

Question 9

Anions

Answer 9

Anion = A negatively charged ion

Anions:
* Cl (Chlorine as Chloride)
* S (Sulphur as Sulphate)
* P (Phosphorus as phosphate)

Question 10

Minerals as other components

Answer 10

Minerals also exist as components of organic compounds such as:
* Phosphoproteins (A protein attached to a phosphate group)
* Phospholipids (i.e. cell membranes)
* Metalloenzymeis (e.g. zinc is required for ‘alcohol dehydrogenase’, which breaks down alcohol)
* Metalloproteins (e.g. haemoglobin; a protein with iron)

Question 11

Mineral absorption

Answer 11

• Minerals are absorbed in the GIT (mostly in the small intestine) in their ionic state (with the exception of iron) and must be unbound from the organic compound with the help of digestive secretions (e.g. stomach acid) before being utilised by the body.
• Any unabsorbed minerals are excreted in the faeces

Question 12

Mineral functions

Answer 12

• Building tissues: E.g. skeletal system, teeth
• Nerve and muscle function
• Thyroid health (supporting metabolism)
• Supporting immune health
• Components of enzymes

Question 13

Bioavailability: definition and factors affecting mineral bioavailability

Answer 13

Bioavailability = The proportion of a substance which enters and then has an active effect
Several factors can affect mineral bioavailability, including:
1. Mineral status in the body
2. Substances present in food
3. Other minerals present in food

Question 14

Bioavailability: Mineral status in the body

Answer 14

Mineral status in the body:
* In mineral deficiency states, the body up regulates absorption of the mineral. In excess states, it down regulates absorption

Question 15

Bioavailability: Substances present in food

Answer 15

Substances present in food:
* Can enhance absorption (E.g. ascorbic acid and Fe)
* Can inhibit absorption (E.g. phytates and Fe)

Question 16

Bioavailability: Other minerals present in food

Answer 16

Other minerals present in food (or supplements):
* Can compete for absorption (E.g. iron supplements reduced zinc absorption, zinc antagonises copper absorption)

Question 17

Minerals in supplements

Answer 17

• Minerals in supplements are rarely found as pure minerals – They are bound to carrier molecules, also called ligands
• Each carrier has unique characteristics that facilitate absorption
• The challenges with mineral supplementation include tolerability, bioavailability and chemical reactivity
• Mineral supplements come in various forms: mineral salts, ionic / colloidal minerals, food – state minerals and amino acid chelates
  Ligand = a molecule that binds to another molecule

Question 18

Mineral carriers

Answer 18

• Comment minimal carriers include:
• Organic: Citrate, ascorbate, gluconate, glycinate
• Inorganic: Oxide, carbonate, sulphide, chloride

Question 19

Macro minerals Mnemonic

Answer 19

Salty potato chips contain pretty much salt

Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Sulphur

Question 20

Trace minerals mnemonic

Answer 20

Impure zombies ingest canned meat for simple carefree meals

Iron
Zinc
Iodine
Copper
Manganese
Flouride
Selenium
Chromium
Molybdenum

Not including:
Silicone
Boron