Nutritional Science 203: Assignment Analysis

Nutritional Science 203

Assignment 2

1. Choose a micronutrient or a macro-mineral that you would like to learn more about and why (2 points).

The macro-mineral that I am interested in learning about is calcium because the body does not produce calcium, so we have to obtain it from food sources. However, being lactose intolerant makes me vulnerable to have lower calcium intake than the average recommended, which is why I compensate that by taking calcium supplements.

2. What are the US requirements for this essential nutrient for all age groups (2 points)?

a. All Infants 0 to 6 months should obtain 200µg/day.

b. All Infants 7 to 12 months should acquire 260µg/day.

c. All Children 1 to 3 years old should obtain 700µg/day.

d. All Children

Adult males 51-70 to should obtain 1000µg/day. Adult females 51-70 should obtain 1200µg/day.

i. Adults 71+ should obtain 1200µg/day.

3. What are the natural food sources and synthetic versions found in supplements or fortificants of this essential nutrient (2 points)?

a. There are many natural food sources of calcium in produce, seafood, dairy, fortified foods and other categories. In produce, this includes collard greens, kale, broccoli and oranges. Seafood rich sources include sardines, salmon and shrimp. Dairy products include cheese, yogurt, and milk. Fortified foods include fortified oatmeal, tofu, cereal, English muffin, and orange juice.

b. Synthetic version found in supplements and multivitamins, such as Synthetic calcium pyrophosphate, Synthetic amorphous calcium phosphate, and synthetic calcium carbonate.

4. Why do you need this nutrient (2 points)?

a. Almost every cell in our body uses calcium in some way. Calcium is one of best transporters of nutrients to your cells. Calcium is needed for our heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly and for blood to clot. It is also important for bone health. Ninety-nine percent of your body's calcium is stored in your bones. In later years, adequate dietary calcium helps minimize calcium loss from the bones. Calcium protects you from viruses and bad bacteria by increasing

There are two types of calcium deficiency. Dietary calcium deficiency is caused by inadequate calcium intake, which can lead to depleted calcium stores in the bones, thinning and weakening of the bones, osteopenia and osteoporosis. Hypocalcemia is a low level of calcium in the blood that can occur from taking medications, medical treatments or diseases, such as renal failure or rickets. Many published studies show that low calcium intake throughout life is associated with low bone mass and high fracture rates, in addition to hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias. Other associate signs and symptoms include muscle spasms, tingling,