| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 3 | Reference code | 17N.3.SL.tz0.14 |
| Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
| Command term | Explain | Question number | 14 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Explain why lack of dietary calcium is a major risk factor for osteoporosis.
Markscheme
skeleton contains more than 99% of body’s total calcium ✔
when lack of calcium in diet, the body draws on calcium reserves to restore deficit ✔
bones lose calcium mass/concentration ✔
prolonged lack of dietary calcium / negative imbalance results in osteoporosis ✔
Examiners report
Very few recognised that almost all of calcium is stored in the bones and that is why a lack dietary calcium can lead to osteoporosis. It's a key mark point that almost all missed.
