NMDF121_Week10_Minerals_FLASHCARDS_FULL40

Question 1

What is the primary role of calcium in the body?

Answer 1

Bone and teeth structure, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, blood clotting

Question 2

What is the recommended dietary intake of calcium for adults aged 19-50 in Australia?

Answer 2

1000 mg/day

Question 3

Which vitamin enhances calcium absorption in the intestine?

Answer 3

Vitamin D

Question 4

Name three dietary sources of calcium.

Answer 4

Dairy, tofu (calcium set), sardines (with bones)

Question 5

What reduces calcium absorption from the gut?

Answer 5

Phytates, oxalates, high sodium, caffeine

Question 6

What is the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

Answer 6

Increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclast activity and activating vitamin D

Question 7

What is calcitonin’s function?

Answer 7

Lowers blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts and promoting calcium deposition in bones

Question 8

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 8

Condition characterized by porous, fragile bones and increased fracture risk

Question 9

Which test assesses bone mineral density?

Answer 9

DEXA scan

Question 10

List two risk factors for osteoporosis.

Answer 10

Postmenopausal status, low calcium intake

Question 11

What is the function of phosphorus in the body?

Answer 11

Bone mineralization, energy metabolism (ATP), acid-base balance

Question 12

Where is most of the phosphorus in the body stored?

Answer 12

In the bones and teeth

Question 13

What are key sources of phosphorus?

Answer 13

Meat, dairy, legumes, nuts

Question 14

What is hypophosphatemia?

Answer 14

Abnormally low serum phosphate levels

Question 15

What is the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for phosphorus?

Answer 15

4000 mg/day

Question 16

What is magnesium’s primary role in the body?

Answer 16

Cofactor in 300+ enzymatic reactions, nerve/muscle function, protein synthesis

Question 17

Where is magnesium stored in the body?

Answer 17

Mostly in bones; rest in muscles and soft tissues

Question 18

What are good dietary sources of magnesium?

Answer 18

Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts

Question 19

What conditions increase magnesium requirements?

Answer 19

Diabetes, chronic stress, alcoholism

Question 20

What is hypomagnesemia?

Answer 20

Low serum magnesium levels

Question 21

What are symptoms of magnesium deficiency?

Answer 21

Muscle cramps, tremors, fatigue, arrhythmias

Question 22

What mineral is essential for thyroid hormone production?

Answer 22

Iodine

Question 23

What condition results from iodine deficiency?

Answer 23

Goitre

Question 24

What is cretinism?

Answer 24

Congenital hypothyroidism due to severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy

Question 25

What is the primary source of dietary iodine in Australia?

Answer 25

Iodised salt and fortified bread

Question 26

What are goitrogens?

Answer 26

Compounds that interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland

Question 27

Name two foods high in goitrogens.

Answer 27

Soy, cruciferous vegetables

Question 28

What are functions of zinc?

Answer 28

Wound healing, taste perception, immune function, gene expression

Question 29

What reduces zinc absorption?

Answer 29

Phytates, high calcium or iron intake

Question 30

What are signs of zinc deficiency?

Answer 30

Delayed wound healing, loss of taste/smell, hair loss, growth retardation

Question 31

How does parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulate calcium levels?

Answer 31

Increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption, kidney reabsorption, and activating vitamin D.

Question 32

Explain how magnesium deficiency can contribute to muscle cramps.

Answer 32

Magnesium is required for muscle relaxation; deficiency leads to neuromuscular excitability and cramps.

Question 33

Why might chronic antacid use lead to phosphorus deficiency?

Answer 33

Antacids contain aluminium or calcium that bind phosphorus, reducing absorption.

Question 34

How does excessive sodium intake impact calcium balance?

Answer 34

Increases urinary calcium excretion, potentially weakening bones.

Question 35

What are two clinical signs of magnesium toxicity?

Answer 35

Diarrhea and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Question 36

Which mineral is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions including ATP metabolism?

Answer 36

Magnesium.

Question 37

What is a classic symptom of calcium deficiency in children?

Answer 37

Rickets (soft, weak bones).

Question 38

Why are postmenopausal women at higher risk of osteoporosis?

Answer 38

Reduced estrogen levels decrease calcium retention and bone density.

Question 39

How can excessive phosphorus intake negatively affect calcium status?

Answer 39

Disrupts calcium-phosphorus balance, reducing calcium absorption and increasing bone loss.

Question 40

List two medications that can interfere with magnesium absorption.

Answer 40

Diuretics and proton pump inhibitors.