Nutrients Involved in Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Intracellular and Extracellular Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for various physiological functions. They are distributed in the body as intracellular (inside cells) and extracellular (outside cells) electrolytes.

• Intracellular Electrolytes: Potassium (K+) and Phosphate (PO43-) are the primary electrolytes inside cells.

• Extracellular Electrolytes: Sodium (Na+) and Chloride (Cl-) are the main electrolytes outside cells.

• Major Functions: Maintain fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

Relationship Between Electrolyte Concentration, Water Movement, and Cell Result

• Water moves across cell membranes by osmosis to balance electrolyte concentrations.

• If extracellular fluid is hypertonic (higher solute concentration), water leaves the cell, causing it to shrink.

• If extracellular fluid is hypotonic (lower solute concentration), water enters the cell, causing it to swell or burst.

Factors Affecting Percentage of Water in the Body

• Age (infants have higher water content than elderly)

• Gender (males typically have more water due to higher muscle mass)

• Body composition (more muscle = more water; more fat = less water)

Function of Water in the Body and Sweating

• Regulates body temperature through sweating and evaporation

• Acts as a solvent, lubricant, and medium for chemical reactions

• Transports nutrients and waste products

Thirst Mechanism

• Controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain

• Triggered by increased blood osmolality or decreased blood volume

Definitions: Dehydration, Heat Stroke, Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion

• Dehydration: Excessive loss of body water, leading to impaired function.

• Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms due to loss of electrolytes and fluids during exercise.

• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, and rapid pulse from prolonged heat exposure and dehydration.

• Heat Stroke: Life-threatening condition where body temperature regulation fails; requires immediate medical attention.

Nutrients Essential to Key Body Functions

Vitamins and Minerals: Deficiencies and Food Sources

• Calcium: Dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods

• Magnesium: Nuts, whole grains, leafy greens

• Chloride: Table salt, processed foods

• Phosphorus: Meat, dairy, nuts, legumes

• Potassium: Bananas, potatoes, dairy, legumes

• Beta-carotene: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach

• Vitamin E: Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds

Which Vitamins/Minerals Can Be Made in the Body?

• Vitamin D: Synthesized in the skin with sunlight exposure

• Niacin: Can be synthesized from tryptophan (an amino acid)

• Vitamin K and Biotin: Produced by gut bacteria (in small amounts)

Major Functions of Electrolytes, Iodine, Manganese

• Electrolytes: Fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction

• Iodine: Essential for thyroid hormone synthesis; deficiency can cause goiter

• Manganese: Cofactor for enzymes involved in metabolism, bone formation, and antioxidant functions

Osteoblasts vs Osteoclasts

• Osteoblasts: Cells that build new bone tissue

• Osteoclasts: Cells that break down bone tissue

Bone Development Processes Order and Timing

• Bone development (ossification) begins in the embryo and continues through adolescence.

• Order: Bone formation (osteoblast activity) → Bone growth → Bone remodeling (balance of osteoblast and osteoclast activity)

Neural Tube Defect

• Birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord due to incomplete closure of the neural tube

• Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy increases risk

Hypercalcemia Associated Problems

• High blood calcium levels can cause kidney stones, bone pain, abdominal pain, and neurological symptoms

Heme vs Non-Heme Sources of Iron

• Heme Iron: Found in animal foods (meat, poultry, fish); better absorbed

• Non-Heme Iron: Found in plant foods (beans, lentils, spinach); less efficiently absorbed

Nutrients Essential to Healthy Tissues

Antioxidants and Their Role Against Free Radicals

• Antioxidants: Compounds that neutralize free radicals, preventing cell damage

• Free Radicals: Unstable molecules that can damage DNA, proteins, and cell membranes

• Antioxidant Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A)

Free Radicals: Risk Factors, Formation, Damage Sites

• Risk Factors: Smoking, pollution, radiation, inflammation

• Formation: Byproducts of normal metabolism, exposure to toxins

• Damage Sites: DNA, cell membranes, proteins

Relationship Between Vitamin D and Calcium

• Vitamin D enhances intestinal absorption of calcium

• Both are essential for bone health and development

Vitamin C Functions and Deficiency Risk

• Collagen synthesis, immune function, antioxidant activity

• Deficiency risk: Smokers, elderly, people with limited fruit/vegetable intake

Pro-Vitamin

• A compound that can be converted into a vitamin in the body (e.g., beta-carotene is a pro-vitamin for vitamin A)

Nutrition and Physical Activity: Keys to Good Health

Energy Drinks

• Contain caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants

• May cause dehydration, increased heart rate, and sleep disturbances

How to Maintain Normal Blood Pressure Through Diet

• Reduce sodium intake

• Increase potassium, calcium, and magnesium intake

• Follow the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

High/Low Sodium Foods

• High Sodium: Processed foods, canned soups, salted snacks

• Low Sodium: Fresh fruits, vegetables, unprocessed grains

Food Safety and Technology: Protecting Our Food

What Can Increase or Decrease Risk for Cancer?

• Increase Risk: High intake of processed meats, alcohol, low fruit/vegetable intake, obesity

• Decrease Risk: High intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, regular physical activity

Other Key Terms

Leukocytes: Definition and Function

• Leukocytes: White blood cells involved in immune defense against pathogens

Additional info:

• Some explanations and examples were expanded for clarity and completeness.

• Table entries inferred based on standard nutrition knowledge.