FOOD20003 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Sodium Chloride, Renal Function, Extracellular Fluid
Document Summary
Major minerals are those that exist in the body in quantities above 5g. Phosphorus (exists mainly in phosphate form or in phospholipids) Sulphur (exist mainly in sulfate form or in proteins) Anything in the body for more than 5g are major minerals. Salt has been primary source of dietary sodium. Sodium has a critical role as an extracellular cation. Due to its fundamental role for survival, the development of a favourable taste perception is not surprising. Essential for nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Highly soluble and readily absorbed by intestines and travels easily in the blood. Removed via glomerular filtration in kidneys and the correct amount is added back into the blood via kidney tubule reabsorption. As more sodium is ingested, the person becomes thirsty, causing drinking, allowing more water to be excreted (removing sodium) until levels return to normal. Fresh fruit and vegetables and meats are low in salt and sodium.