Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate V · Biochemistry and Nutrition · 04

Minerals

Calcium and phosphorus build hydroxyapatite, and about 99% of the body's calcium is in bones and teeth. Most adults need 1,000 mg of calcium a day. Iron deficiency anemia can cause pallor, glossitis and angular cheilitis, zinc deficiency dulls taste and slows healing, and adult fluoride intake should stay below the 10 mg daily upper limit.

High-yield facts · 7

  1. Calcium RDA: 1,000 mg/day for most adults; 1,200 mg/day for women over 50 and men over 70.S53
  2. About 99% of body calcium is in bones and teeth.S53
  3. Iron RDA: 8 mg/day for adult men and postmenopausal women; 18 mg/day for women 19-50; 27 mg in pregnancy.S53
  4. Iron deficiency anemia can cause pallor, glossitis and angular cheilitis; Plummer-Vinson syndrome adds dysphagia.S53T5
  5. Fluoride adequate intake: 3 mg/day for adult women, 4 mg/day for adult men; upper limit 10 mg/day for adults.S53
  6. Zinc deficiency impairs taste and wound healing.S53
  7. Phosphorus pairs with calcium in hydroxyapatite.S53

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.