Question

Part A:

Calcium is an important mineral in the body and one that is tightly regulated in the blood with the help of several hormones. Calcium status plays an important role in the health of bones and a variety of other metabolic functions. Therefore, it is essential to understand where to find calcium in food and what factors affect bioavailability and absorption.

Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right. Note that some terms will remain unused.

WORD BANK:

calcium bioavailability osteoclasts hypercalcemia parathyroid hormone (PTH) oxalates bone density osteoblasts BLANKS: 1. Over 99% of the body's Over 99%of the body's ____ is in the bones and teeth. 2. When blood calcium is low, the parathyroid glands stimulate the production of ______. 3. ______ refers to the compactness and strength of bones. 4. _______ break down bone when calcium levels are low. 5. The ________ of calcium can depend on a person's age and calcium needs. 6. Too much calcium in the blood, or ________ , can lead to impaired kidneys and calcium deposits in the body. 7. Certain foods like spinach are high in ________, which can interfere with absorption of certain minerals. Part B: Calcium blood levels are very tightly regulated with the aid of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. The statements below represent actions that take place during times of low blood calcium, times of high blood calcium, or neither. Drag the appropriate items to their respective bins. ITEMS: Increased vitamin D activation leads to decreased calcium absorption from the intestines. PTH and vitamin D stimulate increased breakdown of bone. Less calcium is reabsorbed by the kidneys. Parathyroid glands increase secretion of PTH. Parathyroid glands decrease secretion of PTH. Increased production of PTH stimulates activation of vitamin D. Osteoclasts are inhibited, leading to decreased breakdown of bone. BINS: Occurs During Times of Low Blood Calcium Occurs During Times of High Blood Calcium Does Not Occur DuringRegulation of Blood Calcium Part C: Hypocalcemia occurs when blood concentration of calcium falls abnormally low. Symptoms can include muscle spasms and convulsions. Which of these is least likely to lead to hypocalcemia? A) low calcium intake B) a disease that inhibits production of PTH C) kidney disease D) vitamin D deficiency Part D: It is important to understand where to find calcium in food, but there are a variety of factors that can interfere with the absorption of even the best sources of calcium. Which of these statements describe ways calcium bioavailability or absorption may be reduced? Select all that apply. -consuming calcium-rich foods, spread between several meals and snacks throughout the day- -consuming large amounts of calcium at one time -consuming high-phytate foods separately from calcium sources -choosing calcium sources high in oxalates, like spinach -consuming vitamin D with a calcium-containing food

Answer 1

Part A BLANKS 1. Over 99% of the body's Over 99 %of the body's calcium is in the bones and teeth. 2 When blood calcium is low,the parathyroid glands stimulate the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) 3. bone density refers to the compactness and strength of bones. 4, osteoclasts break down bone when calcium levels are low 5. The bioaiailability of calcium can depend on a person's age and calcium needs. 6. Too much calcum in the blood, or hypercalcemia can lead to impairedkidneys and calcium depoitsin the body 7. Certain foods like spinach are high in xalateswhich can interfere with absorption of certain minerals.

Part B: Occurs During Times of Low Blood Calcium Increased production of PTH stimulates activation of vitamin D. Parathyroid glands increase secretion of PTH PTH and vitamin D stimulate increased breakdown of bone. Occurs During Times of High Blood Calcium Parathyroid glands decrease secretion of PTH Less calcium is reabsorbed by the kidneys. Osteoclasts are inhibited, leading to decreased breakdown of bone. oes Not Occur DuringRegulation of Blood Calcium Increased vitamin D activation leads to decreased calcium absorption from the intestines

Part C: Explanation: Low calcium increase is the likely to lead to hypocalcemia. Hence, Low calcium intake is the correct option. Option: Option A is correct Part D: Calcium is an essential element for the growth and development of several life forms. It acts as the secondary messenger at a molecular level. It helps in the formation of the bone. In muscle cells, calcium is stored in the Smooth endoplasmic reticulum. On receiving a nerve impulse, calcium will initiate the muscle contraction In the current case, compounds like phytates and oxalates from common flora, like spinach and cabbage hamper the absorption of calcium. Hence, the option is correct. The consumption of calcium at one time will also reduce the availability or absorption of calcium Therefore, the correct option is: Consuming large amounts of calcium at one time. Choosing calcium sources high in oxalates, like spinach.