Minerals
Science: KS3, topic 1.4.3
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic and not carbon-based. Humans need to consume a small amount of minerals to maintain a healthy diet.
Minerals
- Minerals are found naturally in the Earth.
- Plants obtain minerals from the soil through their roots.
- Animals obtain minerals when they eat plants.
- It is unhealthy to consume more than the recommended dose of minerals.
- Eating too many minerals may lead to sickness, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
Calcium and iron
- Calcium is found in dairy products.
- Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth, and for making blood clots.
- Calcium deficiency causes rickets and osteomalacia.
- Iron is found in red meat, liver, beans, and nuts.
- Iron makes red blood cells.
- Iron deficiency causes anaemia.
Iodine and chromium
- Iodine is found in eggs, milk, and fish.
- Iodine makes thyroid hormones.
- Iodine deficiency causes issues with thyroid glands.
- Chromium is found in meat and nuts.
- Chromium regulates insulin.
- Chromium deficiency increases the risk of diabetes.
Copper and Magnesium
- Copper is found in nuts and shellfish.
- Copper is important for red and white blood cells and for brain development.
- Copper deficiency can lead to anaemia and osteoporosis.
- Magnesium is found in spinach and nuts.
- Magnesium is important for hormone development.
- Magnesium deficiency can lead to low appetite and vomiting.
Test yourself on Minerals
What can animals eat to obtain minerals?
Which minerals can you get from eating nuts?
Select the correct statement in each pair
A child never eats dairy products or any other calcium-rich foods. What might this lead to?