Tag: Minerals

Chronic Kidney Disease: Potassium and Your Diet

Dr. Wendy Dahl posing with fiber and food to stop kidney disease. Image used in the 2014 Research Discoveries report. UF/IFAS Photo by Javier Edwards

Potassium is an essential mineral required for normal body function. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance, muscle and nerve function, as well as bone density. This three-page fact sheet describes potassium and its normal dietary importance, as well as the impact potassium levels have on those with Chronic Kidney Disease. Written by Ashley R. Kendall, Nancy J. Gal, and Wendy J. Dahl and published by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs287

Chronic Kidney Disease: Phosphorus and Your Diet

Figure 1. Food preparation area in the home kitchen
Phosphorous is an essential mineral necessary for the formation of bones and teeth, but also for kidney function and the regulation of muscle contractions, heartbeat, and nerve transmission. High blood levels of phosphorus may lead to adverse effects on bone, kidney, and heart health. When there is too much phosphorus in the blood, the body reacts by leaching calcium from the bones. This can be especially dangerous for those with Chronic Kidney Disease. This four-page fact sheet discusses the relationship between Chronic Kidney Disease and Phosphorous intake, examining foods that are high in phosphorous and ways to manage phosphorous levels. Written by Nancy J. Gal, Lauren Headrick, Kate Bennett, and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs273

Facts about Potassium

Figure 1. Legumes are excellent sources of potassium. Whether you start with the dried form or use convenient canned beans (low sodium is best), you will get a rich source of potassium.Potassium is a mineral found inside body cells. It is one of several minerals known as electrolytes. It is important because it helps regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, maintain normal blood pressure, transmit nerve impulses, control muscle contraction, and maintain healthy bones. Legumes are good sources of potassium, as are nuts and seeds. This 2-page fact sheet was written by R. Elaine Turner and Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2014. (Photo: tofumax/iStock/Thinkstock.com)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy889

Facts about Phosphorus

DNA KIT Phosphate GroupPhosphorus is a mineral found in every cell of the body, usually in the form of phosphate. It is the second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium. About 85% of phosphorus is stored in the bones and teeth. It is important for forming bones and teeth, as well as repairing bones. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Nancy J. Gal and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs237

Facts About Fluoride

toothpaste and toothbrushesFluoride is important for healthy bones and teeth. It increases the density of bones and also can stimulate the growth of new bone. Fluoride increases the amount of minerals in our teeth and even can reverse the progression of dental cavities. People who don’t get enough fluoride have much greater rates of dental decay and cavities than those who get enough fluoride. Due to water fluoridation, almost one-half of American children have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Anne Kendall [Casella], and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy887

Facts about Magnesium

Figure 2. Nuts such as almonds and cashews are good sources of magnesium.Many Americans don’t get enough magnesium in their diets. But most healthy people do not have signs of deficiency even if their intake is low because the body stores this mineral. However, people who abuse alcohol, take certain diuretic drugs, or have kidney disease may be at risk for magnesium deficiency. Long-lasting diarrhea or vomiting also can cause a deficiency. Older adults often do not get enough magnesium in their diets. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff and Jennifer Hillan, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1088

Facts about Zinc

Figure 1. Zinc is critical for children’s proper growth and development. Credit: iStockphotoZinc deficiency can affect the immune system, cognitive function, and growth in children. Severe zinc deficiency can cause diarrhea, hair loss, poor appetite, skin disorders, impotence, and changes in taste. People who drink alcohol in excess are at high risk for zinc deficiency (and other health problems). This 2-page fact sheet was written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, July 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy218

Facts about Calcium (FCS8703/FY216)

teacup of milkCalcium is the major mineral found in our bones and teeth. Along with phosphorus and other nutrients, calcium builds the hard structure that makes bones and teeth strong. We also need calcium for proper muscle and nerve function, blood clotting, and other body processes. These functions are so critical that calcium is taken from the bones to maintain blood calcium if dietary calcium is inadequate. This 3-page fact sheet was written by L. B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, March 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy216

Facts About Minerals (FCS8809/FY891)

Figure 1. What are minerals?If the word “mineral” makes you think of rocks, you’re right! Minerals are substances like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc that are found in rocks and the soil. They also are needed for optimal nutrition. There are 16 different minerals that are known to be needed in our diets. Several other minerals may be needed in very small amounts. It’s important to eat a variety of foods from each of the food groups in order to get all of the minerals in your diet. This 3-page fact sheet was written by R. Elaine Turner and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy891

Facts about Iron (FCS8704/FY217)

Iron is a mineral that is found in every cell in the body. It’s an important part of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the cells. Our cells use oxygen to make energy from the food we eat. Iron also is needed to keep the immune system healthy and help brain cells work normally. Learn the facts about this important mineral, with this 2-page fact sheet written by Linda B. Bobroff and Jennifer Hillan and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy217

FCS8804/FY1038 Facts about Copper

Revised! FCS-8804, a 3-page fact sheet by Linda B. Bobroff, answers questions about copper, why we need it, what happens if we don’t get enough, how much we need, how we can get enough and not too much. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, June 2008
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FY1038