This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What are the major minerals, and what roles do the major minerals play in the human ... (Read 199 times)

vicotolentino

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 552
What are the major minerals, and what roles do the major minerals play in the human body?

Question 2

How are minerals classified, and what common characteristics do major minerals share?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

gcook

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 343
Answer to Question 1

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium are major minerals. Major minerals have both structural and functional roles. Examples of structural roles: calcium and phosphorus provide strength and structure to skeleton. Functional roles: sodium, chloride, and potassium are essential for maintaining fluid balance in and outside of the cell. Minerals also function in chemical reactions (calcium as a cofactor), energy metabolism (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium), nerve function and muscle contraction (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, and potassium), and immune function (sodium and chloride).

Answer to Question 2

Essential minerals are classified by how much you need as major or trace minerals. Major minerals are needed in amounts >100 mg per day and are found in seafood, meat, and dairy products (some are also obtained from fruit, vegetables, and legumes). Absorption of some minerals is not regulated and decreases with age. Bioavailability of others is influenced by genetics, nutritional status, and interactions with other components in food. The primary site of absorption is the small intestine. Major minerals circulate directly from the GI tract to the liver and are transported via the blood. Blood levels are regulated by the small intestine at the time of absorption and by the kidneys at the time of excretion.




gcook

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 343

 

Did you know?

In inpatient settings, adverse drug events account for an estimated one in three of all hospital adverse events. They affect approximately 2 million hospital stays every year, and prolong hospital stays by between one and five days.

Did you know?

Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. About 10% of Americans older than age 40 years have diverticulosis, which, when the pouches become infected or inflamed, is called diverticulitis. The main cause of diverticular disease is a low-fiber diet.

Did you know?

As of mid-2016, 18.2 million people were receiving advanced retroviral therapy (ART) worldwide. This represents between 43–50% of the 34–39.8 million people living with HIV.

Did you know?

Prostaglandins were first isolated from human semen in Sweden in the 1930s. They were so named because the researcher thought that they came from the prostate gland. In fact, prostaglandins exist and are synthesized in almost every cell of the body.

Did you know?

Urine turns bright yellow if larger than normal amounts of certain substances are consumed; one of these substances is asparagus.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library