1. I chose the element Magnesium, Mg. It's atomic number is 12. So it has 12 protons and 12 electrons. Its atomic mass is 24, so it has 12 protons. Magnesium is naturally present in our body, in foods, added to foods and in some medicines. It is a cofactor in over 300 enzyme systems and involved in many chemical reactions in the body. Studies show that the average person does not ingest enough calcium daily. Magnesium can be found in many foods. There are also many supplements out there with magnesium in them. Studies showed that people that take Mg supplements suffer less from Mg deficiency then people who do not take them. The groups most at risk for suffering from Mg deficiency are people with gastrointestinal diseases, people with type II diabetes, people who abuse alcohol and older adults. I copies and pasted the link below where I got this info if anyone wants to look at it.
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
2. I liked the lecture and learning further about elements and the periodic table. I was disturbed by some of the articles we read though involving the chemical leaks into water. I think this kind of thing is so sad and happens way too much today. Companies are more worried about making money then the people using their products. This company was more concerned about making money and covering up the leak then the people drinking the water. I do not understand how these people sleep at night. This could possibly have some serious consequences for some people. I do not think there is any excuse. I would rather lose my job and be broke then put anyone else's life at risk!
3. The link I looked at was the elements, compounds and mixture link. This gave me a clear description of the differences between elements compounds and links. It also gave me a clear picture on the difference between a atom and molecule.
In a profit driven society where people worship economic success it's heartwarming to learn that there are still noble individuals like you out there who are willing to sacrifice that much to follow your conscience. It's great to have you in our class : )
ReplyDeleteHey Clare-
ReplyDeleteDid you learn anything about Mg deficiency? Forgive my ignorance, but what is the relation between Calcium and Magnesium. Also, what are the "signs and symptoms" of a Mg deficiency?
Hey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThe signs and symptoms for Mg deficiency are:hyperexcitability, dizziness, muscle cramps, muscle weakness and fatigue. Severe magnesium deficiency can cause hypocalcemia, low serum potassium levels (hypokalemia), retention of sodium, low circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), neurological and muscular symptoms (tremor, fasciculations, muscle spasms, tetany), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, personality changes and death from heart failure. Magnesium plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism and its deficiency may worsen insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes diabetes, or may be a consequence of insulin resistance. Deficiency can cause irregular heart beat.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnesium_deficiency_(medicine)
When researching calcium and Mg I saw the importance of both of them for the human body, but also found that they should not be used together because they biochemically knock each other out. Calcium is best to take during the day and Mg at night. Taking Mg at night will help you to sleep better
http://blog.seattlepi.com/naturalnotes/2009/09/01/magnesium-and-calcium-arent-always-the-best-of-friends/
I didn't know that gastrointestinal disease and alcohol can lead to Mg deficiency.
ReplyDelete