Mod 2- Calcium

Question 1

What role does calcium play in bone mineralisation?

Answer 1

Calcium combines with phosphorus to form hydroxyapatite crystals in bones and teeth.

Question 2

How does calcium contribute to muscle contraction?

Answer 2

Movement of calcium ions inside muscle cells enables muscles to contract and relax through calcium-dependent proteins like calmodulin.

Question 3

What is calcium’s role in maintaining blood pressure?

Answer 3

Calcium helps blood vessels contract to regulate blood pressure.

Question 4

How is calcium involved in blood clotting?

Answer 4

Calcium plays a key role in the blood clotting process.

Question 5

How does calcium stored in bones affect blood calcium levels?

Answer 5

Calcium stored in bones helps keep blood calcium levels stable.

Question 6

How much does bone mass increase from birth to puberty?

Answer 6

Bone mass increases about sevenfold from birth to puberty.

Question 7

How much does bone mass grow during adolescence?

Answer 7

Bone mass grows another threefold during adolescence.

Question 8

When is peak bone mass mostly reached?

Answer 8

By the late teenage years, 95–100% of peak bone mass is reached.

Question 9

Until what age does the body continue to build more bone than it breaks down?

Answer 9

The body continues to build more bone than it breaks down until around 35 years of age.

Question 10

What percentage of calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth?

Answer 10

About 99% of calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth.

Question 11

What percentage of calcium in the body is found in the blood?

Answer 11

Only about 1% of calcium is in the blood.

Question 12

What regulates the balance of calcium levels between bone and blood?

Answer 12

Hormones and vitamin D carefully balance calcium levels in bone and blood.

Question 13

What is the recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium for men aged 19-70?

Answer 13

1000 mg per day.

Question 14

What is the RDI of calcium for men aged 70 and older?

Answer 14

1300 mg per day.

Question 15

What is the RDI of calcium for women aged 19-50?

Answer 15

1000 mg per day.

Question 16

What is the RDI of calcium for women aged 50 and older?

Answer 16

1300 mg per day.

Question 17

What is the calcium RDI for pregnant women aged 14-18?

Answer 17

1300 mg per day.

Question 18

What is the calcium RDI for pregnant women aged 18 and older?

Answer 18

1000 mg per day.

Question 19

What is the upper intake level (UL) for calcium?

Answer 19

2500 mg per day.

Question 20

What effect does low calcium intake during growth have on bones?

Answer 20

It limits bones from reaching their full mass and strength.

Question 21

Name three bone conditions caused by calcium deficiency.

Answer 21

Osteomalacia (soft bones), osteopaenia (low bone density), and osteoporosis.

Question 22

How does calcium deficiency affect bone mineralisation?

Answer 22

It causes poor bone mineralisation.

Question 23

What impact can calcium deficiency have on children’s growth?

Answer 23

It may lead to stunted growth.

Question 24

What are possible effects of calcium excess?

Answer 24

Kidney stones, constipation, and reduced absorption of other minerals.

Question 25

What are some top calcium food sources?

Answer 25

Cow’s milk, calcium-fortified soy milk, calcium-set tofu, bok choy, broccoli, silver beet, kale, legumes, almonds, and sesame seeds.

Question 26

Name some non-dairy calcium sources.

Answer 26

Tinned fish with bones, calcium-fortified plant-based milks, calcium-set tofu, almonds, sesame seeds, and oysters.

Question 27

What percentage of dietary calcium do adults typically absorb?

Answer 27

About 30%.

Question 28

How does vitamin D assist calcium absorption?

Answer 28

Vitamin D helps produce calbindin, a protein essential for calcium absorption.

Question 29

Name factors that enhance calcium absorption.

Answer 29

Stomach acid, vitamin D, lactose (in infants), growth hormones, oestrogen.

Question 30

What factors inhibit calcium absorption?

Answer 30

Lack of stomach acid, vitamin D deficiency, high phosphorus intake, high-fibre diet, diets high in sodium, protein, and alcohol, increased calcium loss with caffeine, phytates, and oxalates.

Question 31

What are phytates and where are they found?

Answer 31

Phytates (phytic acid) are natural compounds that bind minerals and reduce absorption, found in legumes and grains.

Question 32

What are oxalates and where are they found?

Answer 32

Oxalates (oxalic acid) bind minerals and reduce absorption, found in spinach, rhubarb, and silverbeet.

Question 33

What is rickets?

Answer 33

A condition in children caused by poorly mineralised bones.

Question 34

What deficiencies can cause rickets?

Answer 34

Deficiency of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate.

Question 35

What are the symptoms of rickets?

Answer 35

Abnormal bone growth, soft and flexible bones, and deformities like bowlegs.

Question 36

What is osteomalacia?

Answer 36

The adult version of rickets, where bones become soft and weak.

Question 37

What are common symptoms of osteomalacia?

Answer 37

Bent spine, bowed legs, and higher risk of fractures.

Question 38

What causes osteomalacia?

Answer 38

Low calcium, vitamin D, or phosphate levels causing calcium to be pulled from bones into the blood.

Question 39

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 39

A progressive bone disease marked by decreased bone mass and density, increasing fracture risk.

Question 40

Why is osteoporosis a major health concern?

Answer 40

Osteoporosis and related fractures are a leading cause of illness, disability, and death worldwide.

Question 41

Why is osteoporosis called a “silent disease”?

Answer 41

Because there are no symptoms leading up to it.

Question 42

Name some risk factors for osteoporosis related to demographics.

Answer 42

Being female, older age, European and Asian ancestry, short and thin body type.

Question 43

What family-related factor increases osteoporosis risk?

Answer 43

Family history of osteoporosis.

Question 44

What nutritional and lifestyle factors increase osteoporosis risk?

Answer 44

Calcium and vitamin D deficiency, eating disorders, malnutrition, poor nutrient absorption, sedentary lifestyle, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol above recommended levels.

Question 45

Which medications can increase the risk of osteoporosis?

Answer 45

Corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs, heparin, and some cancer treatments.