Minerals

Question 1

Calcium

Answer 1

• growth and development of healthy bones and teeth
• RDA: 800 mg - 1,200 mg
• can be found in 6 “salt” forms
• body can only absorb 500 mg at a time —> may need to take 2 or 3 x/day
• too much can cause gas, bloating and constipation
• Vitamin D and Mg required to absorb and incorporate into bones

Question 2

Calcium Carbonate

Answer 2

• cheapest salt form of calcium for manufacturers to use

- 40% elemental calcium

Question 3

Calcium Citrate

Answer 3

• salt form of calcium
• 21% elemental calcium
• better for lower HCl

Question 4

Calcium Gluconate

Answer 4

• salt form of calcium

- 9% elemental calcium but well absorbed

Question 5

Calcium Lactate

Answer 5

• salt form of calcium
• 13% elemental calcium
• good for high phosphate levels (renal failure)

Question 6

Calcium Phosphate

Answer 6

• salt form of calcium
• 38% elemental calcium
• binds easily to iron

Question 7

Calcium Amino Acid Chelate

Answer 7

• salt form of calcium

- less likely to bind to iron

Question 8

Chromium

Answer 8

• required for sugar metabolism
• repairing cells and genetic material
• RDA: 25 - 35 mcg

Question 9

Chromium GTF

Answer 9

• Chromium Glucose Tolerance Factor (chromodulin)
• a trivalent chromium-containing molecule
• may enhance insulin utilization

Question 10

Iron

Answer 10

• mineral vital for formation of RBCs
• RDA: 10 mg - 30 mg
• can be found in 4 “salt” forms
• may need to take multiple times a day (if anemia or deficiency)
• taking w/ OJ or vitamin C improves absorption
• best taken on empty stomach or w/ juice
• too much —> nausea, diarrhea, constipation, dark stools, stomach cramping
• most GI complaints come from salt forms

Question 11

Iodine

Answer 11

• mineral that regulates thyroid

- RDA: 150 mcg

Question 12

Magnesium

Answer 12

• mineral necessary for strong bones
• releases energy from food
• transmits nerve impulses and muscular movements
• RDA: 350 mg

Question 13

Potassium

Answer 13

• mineral necessary for conducting electrical impulses in nervous system, muscle tissue and heart
• influences blood sugar levels and Na levels
• RDA: 3.5 g

Question 14

Phosphorous

Answer 14

• mineral required for maintaining body functions
• production of energy and with Ca and Mg
• maintenance of healthy bones and teeth
• RDA: 800 mg - 1,200 mg

Question 15

Selenium

Answer 15

• mineral necessary for protein use
• cancer prevention
• heart health
• thyroid function in the immune system
• RDA: 30 - 65 mcg

Question 16

Sodium

Answer 16

• mineral necessary for electrical impulses in the heart, brain and muscle tissue
• necessary for fluid levels in the body
• RDA: 2.4 g

Question 17

Zinc

Answer 17

• mineral that supports immune health
• necessary for growth and development, including reproductive system
• RDA: 15 mg