A2 Edexcel Food Minerals

Function:

• Helps develop strong bones and teeth
• Helps the blood to clot properly
• Vitamin D is used to help absorb calciuma nd assist with the function

Sources:

• Cheese
• Milk

Deficiency:

• Rickets in children
• Osteoporosis in Adults

Function:

• Main constituent of haemoglobin which transports oxygen around the body
• Part of myoglobin which carries oxygen in the muscles
• Vitamin C aids the function of Iron

Sources:

• Haem - red meat which is more readily absorbed
• Non-Haem - Ceareals which is the main form of iron in the diet

Deficiency:

• Anaemia

Functions:

• Maintains pH and water levels in the body
• One of the four main electrolytes

Sources:

• Fruit, e.g. banana
• Pulses

Deficiency:

• Muscle weakness
• Spasms and cramps

Functions:

• Maintains the electrolyte balance in the body
• Maintains the water content in the body
• One of the four main electrolytes

Sources:

• Meat
• Dairy Products

Deficiency:

• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and vomitting
• Muscular problems such as cramps

Function:

• Helps build strong bones and teeth
• Helps release energy from food

Sources:

• Found in any plant cells
• Meat
• Fish

Deficiency:

• Weak bones and teeth
• Lack of energy

Function:

• Involved in the function of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
• Which controls metabolism

Sources:

• Sea food
• Shell fish

Deficiency:

• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Hypothyroidism - lack of energy and weight gain
• In children it can lead to mental retardation

Function:

• Helps make new cells and enzymes
• Helps us process carbohydrate and fat in food
• Helps with healing of wounds

Sources:

• Meat
• Shell Fish

Deficiency

• White marks on fingernails
• Greasy skin