chapter 7 nutrition

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I. What Are Minerals?

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Minerals are solid, crystalline substances that do not contain carbon and are not broken down during digestion.
1. Minerals carry an electrical charge.
2. Minerals are classified according to how much of them our bodies need and how much is present in our bodies.
a. Major minerals are required in amounts greater than 100 mg per day.
b. Trace minerals are required in amounts less than 100 mg per day.
c. Ultra-trace minerals are required in amounts lower than 1 mg/kg of body weight per day.

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I. What Are Minerals?

Electrolytes

Electrolytes maintain fluid balance in our bodies.
1. Electrolyte imbalances can cause dehydration and death.

Sodium

is an essential nutrient that our bodies need to function optimally.
1. Sodium has a variety of functions.
a. Sodium is the major mineral in the fluid outside of the cell.
b. It helps to maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance.
c. Sodium assists with transmission of nerve signals and aids in muscle contraction and relaxation.
d. Sodium assists in the absorption of nutrients such as glucose.
e. Sodium enhances flavor in food and acts as a preservative.

How much sodium should we consume?

a. The AI for sodium is 1,500 mg.
b. Most people in the United States consume between 3,000 and 6,000 mg.
c. Processed foods generally contain higher sodium levels than unprocessed foods.

What happens if we consume too much sodium?

Excessive sodium consumption can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals.
b. Consuming excess sodium causes bloating.
4. What happens if we don't consume enough sodium?
a. Sodium deficiencies are rare.
b. Hyponatremia can occur when excessive body fluids are lost.