10.4 Minor Minerals Flashcards
How does the body regulate iron levels?
The hormone hepcidin suppresses iron absorption when level are high
What is Iron used for?
Formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin (oxygen transporters)
What are sources of Iron?
Heme iron - found in animal products
Non-heme iron - found in plant products (less bioavailable)
Vit C promotes iron bioavailability
Liver, beans, lentils, chickpeas
What are the effects of Iron toxicity?
Very toxic at high levels, caused by over-supplementation
Promotes nausea, vomiting, constipation, faintness, reduced zinc absorption and bioavailability
One-time megadose (>60 mg/kg) can lead to iron poisoning, causing organ failure, coma, or death
What are the effects of Iron deficiency?
Very common, more in vegetarians, women, and athletes
3 levels
Mild iron deficiency (low iron in blood and marrow)
Marginal iron deficiency (low in liver, muscle, and spleen)
Iron-deficiency anemia (low in red blood cells)
Symptoms of last include lethargy, tiredness, weakness, hair loss, paleness
Lead to irregular heartbeat and delayed growth in infants and children
What is hemochromatosis?
A rare genetic condition that makes iron absorption irregular, increasing risk of toxicity
What is Zinc used for?
Cofactor for more than 100 enzymes
Has roles in gene expression, immune function, protein and DNA synthesis, wound healing, growth, development
Part of antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase
What are sources of Zinc?
Many places: shellfish, animals products, legumes, dairy
What are the effects of Zinc toxicity?
Rare, due to over supplementation
Promotes nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and headaches
Also limits the absorption of copper and iron and promote their deficiency
What are the effects of Zinc deficiency?
Rare
Can promote slowed growth, erectile dysfunction, diarrhea, thinning hair and impaired
What is Manganese used for?
Cofactor for several enzymes (energy metabolism, bone development, wound healing)
part of antioxidant superoxide dismutase
What are sources of Manganese?
Shellfish, plants. Iron can slow absorption
What are the effects of Manganese toxicity?
rare; tremors, muscle spasms, weakness, and hearing loss
What are the effects of Manganese deficiency?
rare; poor growth, compromised fertility, and abnormal carbs and fat metabolism
What is Copper used for?
red blood cell synthesis, iron absorption
Cofactor for many enzymes(Facilitates energy metabolism, DNA/connective tissue synthesis)
BS magnetic bracelets for arthritic relief.
Role in CVD, Alzheimer’s prevention, but no strong evidence
What are sources of Copper?
Wide variety of plant and animal. Liver, oyster, crab, potatoes, mushrooms.
What are the effects of Copper toxicity?
due to over-supplementation, genetic conditions
promote vomiting, diarrhea, yellowing of skin and muscle pain
Lead to liver damage, heart failure, kidney failure and even death
What are the effects of Copper deficiency?
~25% of Canadians are well below the RDA
negatively impact iron absorption, promoting iron-deficiency anemia
Deficiency symptoms may also include tremors, tingling sensations, awkward walking patterns, numbness and fatigue
What is Iodine used for?
Essential component of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) (regulates fuel use, protein synthesis, heartbeat, body temperature regulation, muscle contraction, cell turnover)
What are sources of Iodine?
Main source is iodized salt, but also found in fish, dairy products, and eggs, seaweed, nuts, and bread.
What are the effects of Iodine toxicity?
due to over-supplementation
promote diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
severe cases can lead to the swelling of airways, limiting breathing, a lowered heart rate and even coma
Can also lead to iodine-induced hyperthyroidism, causing goiters
What are the effects of Iodine deficiency?
Affects ~ 2 billion people worldwide
Compromises thyroid gland’s ability to make thyroid hormones, leading to goiters
In infants, can lead to congenital iodine deficiency syndrome (Increases risk of mental deficiencies, deaf mutism, difficulties with muscular control and slowed growth )
What is Selenium used for?
Has roles in reproduction, the production and metabolism of the thyroid hormones, DNA synthesis
Essential component of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase
potential to reduce CVD risk and cancer risk
What are sources of Selenium?
Content in plant foods caries significantly depending on soil quality
Climate change is predicted to decrease selenium content of soil by more than 50%
Fish, shellfish, eggs, and chicken
What are the effects of Selenium toxicity?
due to over-supplementation
Increases risk of hair loss, nail discoloration, muscle and joint pain, headache and gastrointestinal symptoms, metallic taste and garlic breath
promote neurological symptoms, breathing problems, kidney failure, heart attack and, though rare, even death
What are the effects of Selenium deficiency?
Rare in Canada, affects 1 billion+ people worldwide
Increases risk of male infertility, muscle weakness, fatigue, hair loss and a weakened immune system
Higher risk for Keshan Disease (potentially fatal heart disease)
What is Molybdenum used for?
Cofactor for enzymatic reactions
Specifically, breaking down sulfites into less toxic sulfates.
We break these down cuz they can cause allergies, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties
What are sources of Molybdenum?
Content varies by soil quality for legumes. Organ meats, dairy
What are the effects of Molybdenum toxicity?
due to over-supplementation
May affect growth, promote kidney failure or promote the development of seizures and brain damage
What are the effects of Molybdenum deficiency?
rare
What is Fluoride used for?
Technically not essential since not required for growth or to sustain life
However, important for the formation of fluorapatite crystals (with calcium and phosphorous, which mineralize teeth and strengthen enamel.
What are sources of Fluoride?
Water in some places, toothpaste, treatments
What are the effects of Fluoride toxicity?
Fluorosis, which make teeth susceptible to cavities and give brown appearance.
What are the effects of Fluoride deficiency?
bad teeth
How much does water fluoridation help?
Reduces risk of tooth decay by 35%
Why are people against water fluoridation?
Cost
Other sources
Dont tamper with water supply
Increase risk of fluorosis
