Essential Minerals: Functions of Calcium and Iron Explained

Question 1. Functions of calcium.
Answer.

Functions Of Calcium

“Factors influencing success with calcium and iron supplementation: Q&A”

Calcium is required for bone formation
Calcium plays a role in muscle contraction. Calcium increases the interaction between actin and myosin
Calcium is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses
Calcium influences cell membrane structure
Calcium plays a role in the transport of water and ions across the cell membrane
Calcium activates the enzymes pancreatic lipase, ATPase, and succinate dehydrogenase
Calmodulin is a calcium-binding regulatory protein. Calcium calmodulin complex activates the enzymes adenylate cyclase and protein kinase

“Understanding calcium and iron functions through FAQs: Q&A explained”

Functions of calcium in the body

Certain hormones exert their action through the mediation of calcium, and thus calcium acts as a second messenger or third messenger for such hormonal action, e.g., epinephrine and antidiuretic hormone
Calcium is required for the release of certain hormones from the endocrine glands, e.g,. insulin, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin

“Importance of studying essential minerals for better health outcomes: Questions explained”

Question 2. Functions of iron.
Answer.

Functions Of Iron

Iron is a constituent of haemoglobin and myoglobin, which are required for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Iron is a constituent of cytochromes, which are required for the electron transport chain
Catalase is an iron-requiring enzyme. Catalase destroys hydrogen peroxide
Peroxidase is an iron-requiring enzyme

“Common challenges in addressing calcium and iron deficiencies effectively: FAQs provided”

Calcium and iron are important

Peroxidase breaks down hydrogen peroxide and is also required for phagocytosis (killing of bacteria) by neutrophils
Iron-requiring enzymes are
- Xanthine oxidase
- Cytochrome reductase
- Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

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