Mineral Balance & Hydration Flashcards

Frequent nighttime leg cramps and muscle twitching most often point to a need to evaluate which mineral?

Answer: Magnesium

Low magnesium impairs muscle relaxation, causing cramps and twitches.

Fatigue, pallor and low ferritin in a menstruating woman most strongly suggest which deficiency?

Answer: Iron

Low ferritin reflects depleted iron stores, common with menstrual blood loss.

Which hormone from the adrenal glands increases sodium retention and potassium excretion?

Answer: Aldosterone

Aldosterone acts on the kidney to retain sodium and excrete potassium.

Phytates in grains and legumes affect minerals how?

Answer: They bind minerals and reduce absorption

Phytic acid chelates minerals like zinc, iron and calcium; soaking and sprouting reduce it.

Which dietary pattern best supports healthy blood pressure regarding electrolytes?

Answer: Balanced sodium with abundant potassium-rich whole foods

A favorable sodium-to-potassium ratio from whole foods supports blood pressure.

Which magnesium form is generally well absorbed and gentle on the gut?

Answer: Magnesium glycinate

Glycinate is chelated to an amino acid, giving good absorption with less laxative effect.

High-oxalate foods such as raw spinach may reduce absorption of which mineral?

Answer: Calcium

Oxalates bind calcium in the gut, forming insoluble compounds.