Chapter 9 Minerals: Regulators of Body Functions
233
Minerals are inorganic elements that be divided into two classes. The
macrominerals, or major minerals,
includecan
calcium, phosphorus, magnesium,
sulfur, sodium, potassium, and chloride. The microminerals, or trace minerals,
include iron, zinc, iodine, fluoride, selenium, copper, chromium, manganese,
and molybdenum.
Although you need only small quantities of minerals, getting the right
amounts is a key to good health. Without adequate intakes, deficiency
symptoms can occur. At the same time, you need to avoid mineral excesses,
which can be toxic.
Each mineral plays specific roles in the body. The vital functions of
minerals include becoming part of body tissues. Many minerals help enzymes
do their jobs. Some minerals help nerves work and muscles contract. Minerals
also promote growth and control acid-base balance in the body. They help
maintain fluid balance, too.
Minerals are widely found throughout the food supply. Selecting fresh and
wholesome foods is preferred over the use of supplements. A health problem,
such as osteoporosis, may require the use of a supplement. Choose a variety
of plant and animal foods. Limit your use of highly processed foods. Eat the
recommended daily amounts from each group in MyPlate. Following this basic
nutrition advice should provide you with most of your mineral needs.
1. True or false. Because they are needed in larger amounts, macrominerals
are more important for health than microminerals.
2. Where is nearly all the calcium in the body stored?
3. Which group from MyPlate is the primary source of calcium?
4. Give two reasons women are at greater risk than men for developing
osteoporosis.
5. What is the relationship of meeting adequate phosphorus needs to good
health?
6. What are five dietary sources of magnesium?
7. Where are high concentrations of sulfur found in the body?
8. What process helps equalize the fluid balance inside and outside of body
cells?
9. What is the pH of a neutral substance, such as water?
10. What minerals are contributed by salt, and what is the primary source of
salt in the diet?
11. What organ is affected by potassium deficiencies and excesses?
12. What mineral is part of a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen?
13. Give two reasons why iron-deficiency anemia is common among teenage
females.
14. What is the most common source of excess zinc resulting in toxicity?
15. Where is most of the iodine in the body concentrated?
16. What is the importance of fluoride in the body?
17. What is the main function of selenium?
Reading Summary
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234
Part Three The Work of Noncaloric Nutrients
18. Name two microminerals other than iron, zinc, iodine, fluoride, and
selenium and give a function of each.
19. What are three factors that affect the mineral content of plant foods?
2
0. True or false. An excess of some minerals can interfere with the absorption
of others.
21.
Identify evidence.
What evidence can you give about whether it is better
to eat whole, fresh foods or take supplements for minerals that may be
lacking in the diet?
22.
Analyze behavior.
What human behaviors are detrimental to absorption
of essential minerals?
23.
Menu plan.
Write a one-day menu that meets the RDA for calcium for a
friend who refuses to drink milk. Your friend is not lactose-intolerant and
likes cheese and other dairy products.
24.
Showcase display.
Create a showcase display titled “Tracking the
Sodium in Your Diet.” Mount labels illustrating the high sodium content
of popular snack foods and convenience products. Beside each label,
identify the sodium content of a low-sodium alternative. Include information
on how to read the Nutrition Facts panel to determine foods that are low in
sodium.
25.
Mineral brochure.
Prepare a brochure describing factors that increase
and decrease mineral absorption and availability. Share your brochures at
school.
26.
Food technique.
Select one of the techniques for choosing, preparing,
and/or storing foods carefully to maximize the mineral content of your diet.
Implement the technique in your personal life. Share the change you have
made with the class.
27.
Prepare a PSA.
Select one of the minerals discussed in this chapter.
Research the health benefits associated with consumption of that mineral.
Using the information from your research, write and video-record a public
service announcement (PSA) promoting the benefits and sources of the
mineral you selected.
28.
Sodium quiz.
Sodium intake is a controllable risk factor for high blood
pressure. Take
The Scoop on Sodium
quiz on the American Heart
Association Web site to test your knowledge about sodium and your
health.
29.
Electronic presentation.
Research recommendations for teens on the
use and selection of mineral supplements on the National Institutes for
Health Web site. Prepare an electronic presentation to communicate what
you learn with others.
Critical Thinking
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Applying Your Knowledge
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10
Chapter Review
as water?
10. What minerals are co
ntributed by salt, and what is the primary source of
salt in th
e di t?
salt in th
e di t?
Chapter 9 Minerals: Regulators of Body Functions
235
30.
Calcium quiz.
Take the
Calcium Quiz
on the Dairy Council of California
Web site to assess your calcium intake. Complete the section on goals
for increasing or maintaining calcium in your diet and print them off as a
reminder.
31.
Science.
With the help of the science department, use litmus paper to
identify the pH of 10 food items and record your findings in a chart. Then
investigate why eating foods that are acidic does not drastically affect the
pH of your digestive tract. Share what you learn in a brief oral report.
32. Speech.
Working in pairs, role-play a discussion between two people—
one loves fruits and vegetables and the other does not. The fruit and
vegetable lover must convince the other person to try new foods rich in
minerals and vitamins.
33. Math.
Keep a one-day food diary of all the food and beverages you
consume. Include amounts of any salt added to your food at the table.
Use food labels, appendix C, or Internet nutrient analysis to determine
the total milligrams of sodium consumed. The
Dietary Guidelines recommendation is not to exceed 2,300 milligrams of sodium in one day.
Calculate your intake as a percent of the recommended maximum intake
of 2,300 milligrams.
34. History.
Learn about the history of iodine. Who discovered it? Was that
person searching for an essential mineral when he or she discovered
iodine? Write a brief paper summarizing your findings.
35. Science.
Use a reliable anatomy and physiology resource to investigate
the urinary system’s role in regulating fluid-electrolyte balance in humans.
Write a brief summary describing the role of the various system organs.
Interpersonal Skills
Presume you are a dietitian. Your interpersonal skills—your ability to
listen, speak, and empathize—are a great asset in working with clients.
Lilly is your latest client. She was recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. In
addition to the medicine her doctor
prescribed, Lilly was instructed to seek
nutrition counseling about ways to increase the calcium in her diet. What
calcium-rich foods would you recommend to Lilly? How much should she
have daily?
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Academic Connections
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areas, such as history, math,
science, and social studies