Chapter 8vitamins, minerals

Chapter 8: Vitamins and
Minerals


Define the Following Terms:
• 1. antioxidants—substances that protect
body cells and the immune system from
damage by harmful chemicals in air and
foods.
• 2. electrolyte minerals—sodium,
chloride, and potassium, which control
and balance fluid flow in and out of cells.
• 3. fat-soluble vitamins—vitamins
absorbed and transported by fat.


• 4. free-radicals—harmful by-product
excreted when cells burn oxygen to
produce energy.
• 5. hypertension—high-blood pressure
linked to high salt intake.
• 6. iron-deficiency anemia—lack of enough
iron in the body, resulting in fatigue,
weakness, and shortness of breath.


• 7. major minerals—macrominerals
with special duties in the body;
calcium, phosphorus, magnesium,
sodium, chloride, and potassium.
• 8. osteomalacia—a disease caused

by a lack of vitamin D in adults.
• 9. osteoporosis—condition caused by
calcium deficiency; bones become
porous, weak, fragile.


• 10. pica—Condition linked to iron
deficiency; causes unusual appetite
for ice, clay, and other nonfood items.
• 11. toxicity—excessive amount of
substance that reacts as poison in the
body.
• 12. trace minerals—minerals needed
in only small amounts but serving vital
body functions.


• 13. water-soluble vitamins—
vitamins dissolve in water and
pass easily into the bloodstream
during digestion.


Answer the following questions:

• 1. Why are vitamins and minerals
called micronutrients?
• They are needed in smaller
amounts than other nutrients.

2. Why are some vitamins
considered to be antioxidants?
• They protect body cells and the
immune system by either
transforming harmful free radicals
into less damaging compounds or
repairing damaged cells.


3. Compare water-soluble and fatsoluble vitamins.
• Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in
water and are carried in the
bloodstream; they are not stored, and
excess amounts are eliminated with
waste products. Fat-soluble vitamins
are absorbed and transported by fat;
excess amounts are stored by the
body for later use.


4. What does vitamin C do for
you?
• Helps maintain healthy capillaries,
bones, skin, and teeth. Helps your
body heal wounds and resist
infections. Aids in the absorption of
iron and works as an antioxidant.
Plays a role in caring for collagen that
gives structure to bones, cartilage,

muscle, and blood vessels.


5. One family stored milk in small,
clear containers. What do you think of
this practice?

• Not good because light through
the containers will destroy
riboflavin in the milk.


6. What function in the body do riboflavin,
niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B5,
and biotin have in common?

• They are all involved in using
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.


7. Why is folate a very important
vitamin?
• It helps the body use proteins,
builds red blood cells, and forms
genetic material. It prevents birth
defects that damage the brain and
spinal cord.


8. What can occur with vitamin A

deficiency?
• Rough, scaly skin and infections
in the respiratory tract and other
areas of the body; causes night
blindness and total blindness in
many children in developing
countries.


9. What is toxicity?
• An excessive amount of a
substance that is poisonous in the
body.


10. What are two ways to get
vitamin D?
• Through exposure to sunlight and
in fortified milk.


11. Why do cooks need to pay
particular attention to the ways that
foods are prepared?

• Some cooking techniques can
destroy certain vitamins.


12. Compare major and trace

minerals.
• The amount of trace minerals the
body needs is much smaller than
the amount of major minerals
needed.


13. Why do teens need to think
about osteoporosis?
• Bone mass builds u p during
childhood, the teen years, and
young adulthood, so care taken to
consume calcium during early life
can prevent the disease from
developing later.


14. Why are sodium, chloride, and
potassium called electrolyte minerals?

• They form chemical particles
called electrolytes, which attract
fluids. Cells move electrolytes
through cell walls as needed to
balance fluids and keep cells from
collapsing or bursting.


15. What can help reduce
hypertension?

• Lowering intake of table salt.


16. What are some signs of irondeficiency anemia?
• Being tired, weak, short of breath,
pale, and cold.


17. One teen chewed on ice to the point
that her friends noticed and commented on
the frequency. What might be wrong?

• She might have pica, an unusual
appetite for ice, clay, or other
nonfood items, indicating an iron
deficiency.


18. Why is fluoride needed in the
diet?
• To prevent tooth decay and
strengthen bones.


19. What do you think about the trend
to fortify many food products with
vitamins and minerals?

• Might help some people, but also
has the potential to cause toxic

excesses