Mineral Balance & Hydration Flashcards

Which nutrient helps direct calcium into bones and away from soft tissue?

Answer: Vitamin K2

Vitamin K2 activates proteins such as osteocalcin that deposit calcium in bone.

A diet high in phosphorus-rich soft drinks and low in calcium primarily risks what?

Answer: A disrupted calcium-to-phosphorus balance

Excess phosphorus relative to calcium can disturb mineral balance and bone health.

Which sign is classically associated with zinc deficiency?

Answer: White spots on nails and diminished taste

White nail spots and reduced taste or smell are common clinical signs of low zinc.

Which mineral is essential for synthesis of thyroid hormones?

Answer: Iodine

Iodine is incorporated into T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.

Brazil nuts are notable for providing which mineral that supports glutathione peroxidase?

Answer: Selenium

Brazil nuts are very high in selenium, a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.

Long-term high-dose zinc supplementation without balance may lead to deficiency of which mineral?

Answer: Copper

Excess zinc induces metallothionein, which binds copper and reduces its absorption.

Which pairing best enhances absorption of non-heme iron from plant foods?

Answer: Vitamin C-rich food

Vitamin C reduces iron to a more absorbable form and counters inhibitors.