Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

CNM aR N12 Adapted from Lou Taylor et al > 9. MINERALS > Flashcards

9. MINERALS Flashcards

This module covers: • The essential minerals and how the body uses them. • The key food sources for each mineral. • How each mineral is absorbed and metabolised. • Potential interactions with other nutrients and drugs. • Signs and symptoms of deficiency and toxicity states. • Specific therapeutic considerations.

1
Q

Define minerals

A

Minerals are inorganic elements that originate in the Earth that cannot be made by living organisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Where do most of the minerals in our diet come from?

A

Directly from plants (or indirectly from animal sources).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How are minerals absorbed and utilised in the human body?

A

Minerals are absorbed in the GIT (mostly in the small intestine) in their ionic state (with the exception of iron) and must be unbound from the organic compound with the help of digestive secretions (e.g., stomach acid) before being utilised by the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What affects the mineral levels in plants?

A

It varies depending on the mineral content in soil.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Minerals are found in all body tissues. Which two minerals make up the majority (approx. 75%) of the body’s total mineral content?

A

Calcium and phosphorus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name 5 macro-minerals

A
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Phosphorus (P)
  • Sulphur (S)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Chloride (Cl)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

List 5 trace-minerals

A
  • Iron (Fe)
  • zinc (Zn)
  • iodine (I)
  • Selenium (Se)
  • manganese (Mn)
  • Molybdenum (Mo)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Chromium (Cr)
  • Boron (B)
  • Fluoride (F)
  • Silicon (Si)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

In which state do macro-minerals exist in the body (and in food)?

A

Mainly in the ionic state (as cations or anions)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

List 5 key functions of minerals

A
  1. Building tissues; e.g., skeletal system, teeth.
  2. Nerve and muscle function.
  3. Thyroid health (supporting metabolism).
  4. Supporting immune health.
  5. Components of enzymes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name 2 elements which are
- Cations
- Anions

A

Cations:
K+ (potassium), Mg2+ (magnesium), Ca2+ (calcium), Na+ (sodium)

Anions:
Cl- (chlorine as chloride); S- (sulphur as sulphate); P- (phosphorus as phosphate)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which factors can affect mineral bioavailability?

A

1.In mineral deficiency states, the body upregulates absorption of the mineral. In excess states, it downregulates absorption.

  1. Food can enhance (e.g. ascorbic acid and Fe) or inhibit (e.g. phytates and Fe) absorption.
  2. Other minerals present in food (or supplements) — can compete for absorption:
    (e.g. iron supplements reduce Zn absorption;
    Zn antagonises Cu absorption)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

In supplements, minerals are rarely found in their pure form. What are the carrier molecules called and name two organic and two inorganic forms

A

Carrier molecules called Ligands
Organic: Citrate, ascorbate, gluconate, glycinate.
Inorganic: Oxide, carbonate, sulphide, chloride.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are three challenges with mineral supplementation?

A

Tolerability, bioavailability and chemical reactivity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the most abundant mineral in the body and where is it mainly found?

A
  • Calcium (Ca) is the most abundant mineral in the body accounting for 2% of body weight and 39% of the body’s mineral content.
  • 99% of Ca in the body is found in mineralised connective tissues (bones and teeth).

  • The rest (1%) is found in extra-cellular fluid, muscle and other tissues.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How are blood calcium levels regulated?

A

Ca levels in blood are tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D and calcitonin (at the expense of the skeleton when dietary intake is inadequate).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Which source of calcium is the most bio-available:
a) Full fat cow’s milk
b) Kale

A

b) Kale. Vegetable sources have the highest bioavailability, e.g., Ca from cruciferous vegetables is absorbed 2x as efficiently as Ca from dairy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Name three foods that are good sources of Calcium

A
  • Sage
  • Sesame seeds
  • Kale
  • Sardines (incl. bones)
  • Edamame beans
  • Almonds
  • Haricot beans
  • Dairy foods such as cow’s milk
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Name 5 functions of Calcium in the body

A
  1. Bone health
  2. Cell signalling
  3. Muscle contraction
  4. Blood clotting
  5. Neuro-transmitters
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Why would you consider the therapeutical use of Calcium in the following:
a) Mood-related PMS symptoms
b) Muscle cramps
c) Osteoporosis

A

a) Ca is required for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin (it is a co-factor).

b) Ca mediates vasoconstriction (from increased concentration of Ca2+ ions in vascular smooth muscle cells).

c) Ca is crucial for building and preserving bone mass; it is an abundant mineral that binds to the collagen framework in bone, increasing its density.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Where does the highest absorption of Ca occur, and why?

A

Ca is absorbed by all parts of the small intestine, but especially in the duodenum, where conditions are more acidic (due to the chyme that enters from the stomach), which increases absorption.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Explain the difference between how Ca is absorbed:
a) actively
b) passively

A

a) Active absorption is controlled by vitamin D
(calcitriol), which binds to the enterocyte vitamin
D receptor (VDR) and increases the transcription
of calcium transporters called calbindins, which increase calcium movement from the GIT to the blood.

b) Passive absorption occurs without vit. D, when Ca is consumed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Which factors can affect mineral bioavailability?

A
  1. Mineral status in the body — in mineral deficiency states, the body upregulates absorption of the mineral. In excess states, it downregulates absorption.
  2. Substances present in food — can enhance (e.g., ascorbic acid and Fe) or inhibit
(e.g., phytates and Fe) absorption.
  3. Other minerals present in food (or supplements) — can compete for absorption: (e.g., iron supplements reduce Zn absorption; Zn antagonises Cu absorption)”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Which factors that inhibit absorption of Ca and which factors that increase excretion?

A

Factors that inhibit absorption:
*Low vitamin D status
*Low stomach acid (HCl dissolves calcium salts)
*High intake of phytates / oxalates
*Gastrointestinal dysfunction
*Other minerals (e.g., Mg, Fe, Zn)

Factors that increase excretion:
*Menopause (low oestrogen)
*High animal-protein diets (due to high levels of urea and sulphuric acid)
*High-salt diets
*High caffeine intake
*Medications (see drug interactions)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Is loss of bone mineral density a asymptomatic or symptomatic condition?

A

Asymptomatic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is likely the problem with high cow’s milk dairy consumption and osteoporosis risk?

A

The protein component of cow’s milk is likely the problem, as dairy is high in sulphur-based amino acids (e.g., methionine), which can increase sulphuric acid formation — leaching calcium (an alkaline mineral) from bones.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What are the risks of taking Ca?

A

*Kidney stones

*Soft tissue calcification, especially when vitamin D and K levels are inadequate

Studies mostly show that calcium supplementation is ineffective at preserving bone density when dietary intake is sufficient.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Which minerals Ca interfere with?

A

Mg, Fe, Zn, P

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

How much magnesium is in the human body, and where is it mainly found?

A

The body contains approx. 25g of Mg
60% in bone;
39% in cells and muscle;
1% in serum / extracellular fluid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What are the core elements in haemoglobin and chlorophyll, and how are their structures similar?

A

Haemoglobin and chlorophyll are almost identical in their structure.
Haemoglobin having iron at its core, and
chlorophyll (the green plant pigment), magnesium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Name three foods that are good sources of Magnesium

A

*Swiss chard
*Amaranth
*Pumpkin seeds
*Soy beans
*Cacao powder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Name 5 functions of Magnesium in the body

A
  1. Energy production
  2. Cell signalling
  3. Blood clotting
  4. Muscle relaxation
  5. Sleep and calming
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

How is magnesium absorbed and excreted in the body

A

*30–50% of dietary magnesium is absorbed, mostly in the distal small intestine (ileum)
*Phosphate and calcium can inhibit magnesium absorption
*Magnesium is excreted in urine, feces, and to a lesser extent during exercise and sweating
*Kidneys primarily regulate magnesium homeostasis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Why do serum magnesium levels not accurately reflect magnesium status?

A

Due to 99% of magnesium residing inside our cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Why would you consider the therapeutical use of Magnesium in the following:
a. Fatigue
b. Insulin resistance — diabetes, PCOS
c. Stress / anxiety

A

a. Needed to convert ADP to ATP
b. Essential for glucose metabolism
and insulin sensitivity (Mg is a co- factor, modulating glucose transport — needed for the activity of tyrosine kinase
b. Mg is used as a co-factor for GABA synthesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is ‘tolerable upper limit’ (TUL) for Mg supplementation

A

400 mg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Who should be cautious using high dose of Mg?

A

Someone with hypotension

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Which form of Mg has high bioavailability?

A

Mg glycinate, citrate and malate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are the common causes of Mg insufficiency?

A
  • Poor nutrition (high in processed foods, low in dark green vegetables,
  • Chronic stress (increases Mg excretion)
  • Alcoholism
  • Other malabsorption conditions.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What are the symptoms of Mg insufficiency

A
  • Fatigue and insomnia.
  • Anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks.
  • Muscle cramps / spasms / twitches.
  • Headaches (e.g., tension-type and migraines).
  • Palpitations
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Give three examples of the functions of zinc as a co-factor in metalloenzymes. How do these enzymes contribute to different biological processes?

A
  • Antioxidant activity (Superoxide dismutase -SOD),
  • Alcohol breakdown (Alcohol dehydrogenase)
  • Protein digestion (Carboxypeptidase)
  • Other enzymes involved in haem synthesis, folate absorption and DNA / RNA synthesis.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Name three foods that are good sources of Zinc

A
  • Oysters
  • Sesame
  • Rye flour
  • Calf’s liver
  • Chickpeas
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Name five functions of Zinc in the body

A
  • Reproduction
  • Cell proliferation
  • Endocrine
  • Sensory function
  • Immunity and antioxidant
  • Digestion
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Why would you consider the therapeutic use of Zinc in the following:
a) Thyroid health
b) Frequent infections
c) Weak digestion

A

a) Needed for T4 to T3 conversion
b) Increases phagocyte, natural killer cell, T- and B-cell activity
c) Zn is used for the production of HCl and the synthesis of pancreatic enzymes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

What enhances and inhibits Zn absorption

A
  • Protein generally enhances Zn absorption
  • Phytates in plants inhibit absorption. (Phytate levels can be reduced by soaking, sprouting and fermenting).
  • Excess Ca, Cu and non-haem Fe may also inhibit Zn absorption
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

The absorption of which mineral is antagonised by Zn supplementation?

A

Copper

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

List five signs and symptoms of Zn deficiency

A
  • Poor sense of taste and smell.
  • Recurrent infections, delayed wound healing.
  • Skin disorders (e.g., acne), dandruff, white spots on fingernails.
  • Infertility (male and female) and low libido.
  • Signs of weak digestion (e.g., bloating, fatigue).
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

When using Zn supplements, which form is well-absorbed?

A

Zn picolinate
Zn citrate
Zn acetate
Zn glycinate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

What is Tolerable Upper Limit (TUL) for Zn

A

40 mg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What is typical supplemental dosage for Zn

A

Between 15–25 mg / day and it’s advised to take with food, as taken on an empty stomach can cause stomach upset

50
Q

Phosphorus (P) is the body’s second most abundant mineral. What percentage of phosphorus is found in the body and where?

A

About 85% of P is found combined with Ca in hydroxyapatite crystals of bones and teeth.

51
Q

Name three foods that are good sources of Phosphorus?

A
  • Raw spinach
  • Avocado
  • Quinoa
  • Pistachio
  • Clams
  • Calf’s liver
52
Q

Name two functions of Potassium in the body

A
  • Osmotic pressure and electrolyte balance (nerve transmission, muscle function)
  • Enzyme co-factor (involved in energy metabolism, cellular growth)
53
Q

What are the symptoms of Potassium deficiency?

A
  • Muscle cramps / fatigue / weakness
  • High blood pressure / irregular beat
  • Mental confusion / fatigue / irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Insatiable thirst
54
Q

Name three causes of Potassium deficiency

A
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Diuretics that enhance K loss
  • Chronic renal disease
  • Laxative abuse
55
Q

Which organ tightly regulates Potassium levels in the body?

A

Kidneys

56
Q

True or false?

“It’s possible to consume too much potassium from food”

A

False

57
Q

Name three functions of Sodium and Chloride

A
  • pH balance & blood pressure
  • Nerve transmission
  • Digestion
58
Q

Name 4 types of salt

A
  • Table salt
  • Sea salt
  • Himalayan salt
  • Grey / Celtic salt
59
Q

Which type of salt can contribute
to hypertension, atherosclerosis,
insulin resistance and cancers (i.e., gastric)

A

Table salt

60
Q

Sodium and Chloride deficiency is extremely rare but when it does occur, it is usually a result of which medical conditions?

A
  • Persistent diarrhoea
  • Overuse of diuretics
  • Vomiting
  • Chronic renal disease
  • Liver disease
  • Cachexia (wasting condition)
  • Ulcerative colitis
61
Q

How much Iron do we have of in our bodies and WHERE it is distributed?

A

We have between 3–4 g of iron in our bodies distributed throughout blood, bone marrow, muscles, and enzymes.

62
Q

Name TWO dietary forms of iron

A
  • Non-haem iron (plant and animal foods) — ferric form of iron.
  • Haem iron (animals: meats, poultry, fish) — ferrous form of iron
63
Q

Name three foods that are good sources of Iron (Fe)

A
  • Pumpkin
  • Quinoa
  • Clams, calf’s liver
  • Soybeans
  • Spinach
64
Q

Name five functions of Iron in the body

A
  • Oxygen transport and storage
  • Energy (ATP) production
  • Endocrine system
  • Immune function
  • Neurotransmitter synthesis
65
Q

Why would you consider the therapeutic use of Iron in the following:
a) Thyroid support (hypothyroidism)
b) Immune function
c) Fatigue, mitochondrial support

A

a) Iron is needed for the activity of the enzyme ‘thyroid peroxidase’, which is required to synthesise thyroid hormones.

b) Lymphocyte proliferation and maturation.

c) A component of cytochrome enzymes in the electron transport chain.

66
Q

When iron stores are high, the liver converts ferritin into another storage protein which releases iron more slowly. Name that storage protein.

A

Hemosiderin

67
Q

On which factors does iron absorption depend?

A

Factors like:
* GI tract health,
* The presence of supportive / inhibiting nutrients (e.g., vitamin C / phytates), and
* The food source (haem v. non-haem).

68
Q

How can an individual’s intake of non-haem iron be optimised?

A
  • Eliminate junk food (nutrient-depleted, highly-processed foods).
  • Build meals around Fe-rich foods:
    E.g., dark green vegetables, beans, whole grains.
  • Eat high vitamin C vegetables and fruit with meals (peppers,
    cruciferous, kiwis, oranges, lemon) to promote Fe absorption.
  • Avoid drinking black tea and dairy at mealtimes.
  • Eat foods that contain yeast (e.g., bread), are sprouted (e.g., bean sprouts), and fermented (e.g., tempeh) to reduce inhibitors like phytates.
69
Q

What are the signs & symptoms of Iron deficiency?

A
  • Symptoms: Fatigue on exertion, weakness,
    headaches, apathy, breathlessness, poor resistance to cold temperatures.
  • Signs: Pallor, nail spooning, hair loss, tachycardia.
70
Q

Why is there a high risk of Iron toxicity?

A

Because there is no physiological mechanism for iron excretion

71
Q

Why can iron overload be harmful?

A
  • Free iron is a pro-oxidant and can cause oxidative damage (associated with atherosclerosis, cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc.)
  • Iron is a bacterial growth factor and can cause increased infection rates (hence only 1% of iron in the body is unbound).
  • Excess iron can accumulate in organs (e.g., the brain and liver)
72
Q

What can contribute to iron overload?

A
  • Haemochromatosis (a common genetic disorder affecting 1 in 250 individuals that enhances iron absorption).
  • Indiscriminate use of iron supplements.
  • High-dose vitamin C supplementation.
  • Excessive red meat (haem-iron) consumption, which has been linked to greater iron stores and a higher risk of:
    – Some cancers (e.g., colon, prostate).
    – Diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
73
Q

Which other minerals interact with Iron?

A
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Calcium
74
Q

Which vitamin enhances the absorption of non-haem Iron?

A

Vitamin C

75
Q

Name a non-metallic trace element found in the body mainly as part of the antioxidant enzyme ‘glutathione peroxidase’.

A

Selenium

76
Q

Which population groups are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency?

A
  • Women of reproductive age (menstrual blood loss).
  • Pregnancy (↑ blood volume; blood loss in labour).
  • Times of rapid growth (e.g., teenagers)
77
Q

Name FOUR functions of Selenium

A
  • Antioxidant
  • Immunity
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Reproduction
78
Q

Why would you consider the therapeutic use of Selenium in the following:
a) Hypothyroidism
b) Male fertility
c) Heavy metal detox

A

a) Conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3).

b) Selenium is needed for sperm motility

c) A co-factor in glutathione peroxidase (an enzyme that protects cells from free radical damage).

79
Q

Where in the body is Selenium absorbed?

A

Selenium is mostly absorbed in the duodenum (55–85% absorption rate)

80
Q

Which is more bioavailable - selenium from plant, animal sources or supplements?

A

Selenium from plant sources (selenomethionine) is more bioavailable (>80%)

81
Q

Toxicity symptoms of Se include:

A
  • Brittle hair and nails (or loss of nails)
  • Skin lesions, dermatitis, secondary infections
  • Depression, neurological abnormalities
  • Garlic odour (from expiration of dimethylselenide)
82
Q

Name TWO nutrient interactions of Selenium

A
  • In severe iodine deficiency, Se supplementation can trigger / exacerbate hypothyroidism by accelerating T4 metabolism.
  • Ingestion of large amounts of DHA and EPA increases the requirement for selenium.
  • Studies suggest that supplementing with Zn / Cu may increase Se requirements.
  • Se deficiency aggravates the effects of vitamin E deficiency in animal studies.
83
Q

Where is Cu absorbed in the body?

A
  • Mostly in the small intestine
  • Stomach to a lesser degree (enhanced by stomach acid)
84
Q

Where Cu is excreted?

A

It is excreted in bile.

85
Q

Name FIVE food sources of Cu?

A
  • Sesame, cashews, sunflower
  • Quinoa, oats, chickpeas
  • Shiitake, avocado, garlic
  • Calf’s liver
  • Oysters
86
Q

Name FIVE functions of Cu

A
  • A component of the antioxidant enzymes
  • Supports the structure of skin, blood vessel and bone
  • Formation of erythrocytes
  • Part of innate immune system that kills bacteria
  • Nervous system - formation and maintenance of the myelin sheath.
87
Q

What can induce Cu deficiency?

A
  • Long-term high zinc supplementation (>50 mg / day) depresses Cu absorption and restricts utilisation of Cu).
  • Infants fed cow’s milk (dairy is a very poor source of copper).
88
Q

What are the most frequent signs and symptoms of Cu deficiency?

A
  • Anaemia (due to Cu role in iron metabolism).
  • Bone fractures (due to Cu role in collagen structure).
  • Impaired growth and reduced skin pigmentation.
  • Recurrent infections
89
Q

What are the symptoms and potential causes of acute copper toxicity, and how is it typically manifested?

A

Acute toxicity is typically only seen from contaminated drinking water (e.g., copper pipes) or genetic disorders (Wilson’s disease).

– Symptoms of acute Cu toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, liver / kidney damage, haemolytic anaemia, coma and death.

– Investigate water supply, supplementation or high-Cu food intake.

90
Q

What are the symptoms of copper overload, and what factors, especially in women, may contribute to this condition?

A

Copper overload is more common, especially in women as oestrogen can cause Cu retention.

– Symptoms of Cu overload include emotional instability, ADHD, intolerance to OCP, low immunity (Zn deficiency), skin sensitivity to cheap metal, allergies, acne and more.

– In Cu overload, explore Zinc deficiency and gut function.

91
Q

Which mineral is a component of thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolic rate of all cells in the body?

A

Iodine (I)

92
Q

List THREE food sources of Iodine

A
  • Sea vegetables
  • Ocean fish and shellfish such as cod and scallops
  • Eggs and dairy foods (due to the fortification of animal feed)
93
Q

Name THREE functions of Iodine

A
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Brain health
  • Metabolism
94
Q

Outline the process of thyroid hormone production in the body.

A

Making thyroid hormones:
* The thyroid gland ‘traps’ iodine from the blood.

  • Thyroid hormone is made by binding iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to a glycoprotein called thyroglobulin.
  • The rate of iodine capture is under the control of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).
  • The selenium-dependent enzyme, iodothyronine deiodinase converts the relatively inactive T4 to the active T3.
95
Q

Iodine deficiency leads to decline in thyroid hormone production and if prolonged, it can lead to which condition? What are related signs and symptoms?

A

Hypothyroidism with symptoms like: fatigue, weight gain and depression. Prolonged ID can lead to a goitre (enlarged thyroid).

96
Q

What are the consequences of severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy, and what daily intake of iodine is recommended by the WHO to prevent these adverse effects?

A

It causes extreme and irreversible mental and physical retardation. A daily intake of 150 mcg is recommended

97
Q

What is the tolerable upper limit (TUL) for Iodine

A

600 mcg

98
Q

Which nutrients are crucial for iodine utilisation?

A

Nutrients such as tyrosine, Zn, Mg and B vitamins are crucial for iodine utilisation

99
Q

What are ‘goitrogens’? Give two examples of foods that contain these.

A

Substances in food that interfere with iodine uptake in the thyroid.
Foods like soya, millet and raw brassica vegetables

100
Q

Where is Manganese stored in the body?

A

It is stored mostly in bone (>40%) and very metabolically active organs such as liver, kidneys, pancreas and brain.

101
Q

Name THREE functions of Manganese (Mn)

A
  • Facilitate the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol.
  • Structural - collagen formation
  • Cofactor for the antioxidant ‘Mn superoxide dismutase’ (MnSOD)
102
Q

Name the essential trace mineral that potentiates the action of insulin

A

Chromium (Cr)

103
Q

List FOUR food sources of Chromium (Cr)

A
  • Broccoli, green beans
  • Barley, oats, whole wheat
  • Turkey
  • Black pepper (2tsp)
104
Q

What is the key therapeutic use for chromium?
Explain how this works.

A

Blood sugar regulation. Cr is a component of ‘chromodulin’, which is a protein that increases the sensitivity of the enzyme ‘tyrosine kinase’, so that when insulin binds to its receptor, its action is enhanced and subsequently glucose uptake by cells in facilitated.

In addition to carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, insulin also influences the metabolism of fats and protein.

105
Q

What are the symptoms of Chromium (Cr) deficiency?

A
  • Anxiety
  • Sugar cravings
  • Fatigue
106
Q

What is an adequate intake (AI) of Chromium for adults

A

from 30–44 mcg / day

107
Q

Which mineral can interact with Chromium?

A

Fe overload (haemochromatosis) can impair Cr transport.

108
Q

Of which important molecules, is sulphur a key component?

A
  • Acetyl CoA — a key molecule for ATP production.
  • Vitamins: Biotin, thiamine — essential B-vitamins.
  • Key antioxidants: Glutathione, lipoic acid.
  • Mineral transporters: Metallothionein (a metal-binding protein).
  • Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) — inhibits cartilage breakdown.

– S is in four amino acids: Methionine, Cysteine, Taurine.

109
Q

List FOUR rich food sources of sulphur

A
  • Alliums: E.g., garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, chives
  • Cruciferous (brassicas): Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, kale, spring greens, radish.
  • Legumes: Especially soya beans, black beans
  • Eggs and dairy: Parmesan, gorgonzola, cheddar
  • Protein foods: Meat, poultry, fish and seafood
110
Q

Name FOUR functions of sulphur

A
  • Antioxidant - create glutathione (the body’s primary endogenous antioxidant)
  • Sulphur is needed to produce insulin
  • A key component of collagen
  • Phase II liver detox
111
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of sulphur deficiency?

A
  • Brittle hair, nails, joint pain (i.e., cartilage degeneration),
  • Slow wound-healing,
  • Hormone imbalances.
112
Q

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace mineral that is a co-factor for which enzymes involved in detoxification?

A
  • Sulphite oxidase: Detoxification of sulphite to sulphate to prevent the dangerous accumulation of sulphites in the body.
  • Xanthine oxidase: Formation of uric acid from purine breakdown.
  • Aldehyde oxidase: The clearance of drugs containing aldehydes
113
Q

Name one food source of molybdenum (Mo)

A
  • Legumes (the richest source)
  • Whole grains, nuts, green leafy vegetables, beef liver and milk
114
Q

What is the average consumption of molybdenum (Mo) per day

A

Recommended levels (adults: 45 mcg / day; TUL 2 mg)

115
Q

Name THREE minerals that are not considered essential in humans but plays a role in bone development

A
  • Boron (B)
  • Silicon (Si)
  • Fluoride (F)
116
Q

Which non essential mineral is highly toxic, especially to the thyroid gland and tooth enamel?

A

Fluoride (F)

117
Q

Name FIVE drug-mineral Interactions

A
  • Statins: Se lowers drug effect; interacts with Mg & K
  • Omeprazole: depletes Ca, Fe, Zn
  • ACE inhibitors: Increases Mg; Lowers Zn; Fe interacts with
  • Anticoagulants: depletes Zn; interacts with Se
  • Antibiotics: Mg, Ca, Zn, Mn, Fe lowers drug effectiveness; depletes K.
  • Diuretics: increases Ca; depletes Mg, K, Zn
  • Levothyroxine: Mg, Fe, Ca lowers drug effectiveness
118
Q

List FOUR food sources of Manganese

A
  • Wheat germ
  • Hazelnuts, pine nuts, walnuts
  • Cloves, saffron, ginger, black pepper
  • Blue mussels
119
Q

Se is among the most toxic of the essential minerals. What is the TUL for adults per day?

A

adults is 300 μg / day

120
Q

Name THREE signs of Selenium deficiency.

A
  • Cardiomyopathy,
  • Muscle pain, weakness,
  • Elevated liver enzymes,
  • Growth retardation,
  • Infertility
121
Q

Name 5 food sources of Selenium

A
  • Brazil nuts, sunflower
  • Whole wheat (durum), rye
  • Yellowfin tuna, swordfish, clams, oysters
  • Garlic, mushrooms
  • Calf’s liver, pork, turkey, chicken

CNM aR N12 Adapted from Lou Taylor et al (19 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions