82 - The Nutritional Value of Minerals Flashcards
Effect of calcium deficiency
Rickets, poor blood clotting, osteoporosis
Effect of hypercalcaemia
Impaired kidney function
Malabsorption of other minerals
Vitamin essential for Ca2+ absorption
Vitamin D
What leads to malignant hyperthermia?
When muscle releases excess Ca2+ and muscle becomes an uncontrolled ATPase.
Can be triggered by gaseous anaesthetics, EG halothane
Role of phosphate in humans
Component of DNA, RNA, ATP, phospholipids in cell membranes
Symptoms of phosphate deficiency
Muscular weakness
Bone pain
Symptoms of K+ deficiency
Irregular heartbeat
Muscular weakness
Glucose intolerance
Significant sources of K+
All whole foods: meat, milk, fruit, vegetables, grains, legumes
Why is sulphur deficiency very rare?
S exists in cysteine, methionine, which are broken down if S is needed
Symptoms of Na+ deficiency
Muscle cramps, mental apathy, loss of appetite (Na+ deficiency is rare)
Role of chloride
Major anion outside cells.
HCl in the stomach.
Toxicity symptoms of Cl-
Vomiting (NaCl is an emetic)
Role of Mg
Supports bone mineralisation.
Involved in ATP use in the body.
Symptoms of Mg deficiency
Weakness
Confusion
If extreme:
Convulsions
Bizarre muscle movements
Hallucinations
Use of magnesium sulphate
Laxative (Epsom salts)
Symptoms of Fe deficiency
Anaemia (weakness, fatigue, headaches) Impaired cognitive function Impaired immunity Pale skin Inability to regulate body temperature Pica
Disease of iron toxicity
Haemochromatosis (most commonly from genetic disorders)
Symptoms of zinc deficiency
Growth retardation Delayed sexual malnutrition Impaired immune function Hair loss Skin, eye lesions Loss of appetite
Function of copper in the body
Necessary for absorption, use of iron in haemoglobin.
Part of several enzymes
Symptoms of copper deficiency
Anaemia, bone abnormalities
Disease of copper deficiency
Menke’s disease.
X-linked disorder characterised by neurological and connective tissue dysfunction (ATP7A dysfunction).
Wilson’s disease
Overactivity of copper transporter ATP7A.
Role of manganese
Cofactor for several enzymes (EG: in glycogenin).
Bone formation
Significant sources of iodine
Greatest reservoir is the ocean.
Seafood, bread, dairy, plants grown in iodine-rich soil
Role of selenium
Defends against oxidation (essential for role of glutathione peroxidase).
Regulates thyroid hormone (essential for T3/T4 synthesis)
Symptoms of selenium deficiency
Cardiovascular disease, from cardiac tissue becoming fibrous (Keshan disease)
Symptoms of selenium deficiency
Loss and brittleness of hair and nails Skin rash Fatigue Irritability Garlic breath odour
Chromium role
Enhanced insulin action
Might improve glucose tolerance
Symptoms of chromium deficiency
Diabetes-like symptoms (impaired glucose tolerance)
Why do humans need cobalt?
Part of vitamin B12.
Cobalt by itself does nothing. Needs to be complexed into B12
