CGIER 18 - Essential Micronutrients

Question 1

Define micronutrients?

Answer 1

Substances that are required in very small quantities in order to maintain life and growth. Micronutrients include:

1. Minerals
2. Water-soluble Vitamins
3. Fat-soluble Vitamins

Question 2

List examples of minerals and their general role.

Answer 2

P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Se

Function: Structural, cofactors in enzymes, electrolytes, acid-base balance, neurotransmission

Question 3

List examples of water-soluble vitamins and their general role.

Answer 3

B Vitamin group & Vitamin C

Function: Metabolism, cofactors in enzymes, cell division, antioxidant, synthesis of neurotransmitters

Question 4

List examples of fat-soluble vitamins and their general role.

Answer 4

Vitamin A, D, E, K

Function: Structural, cell integrity, antioxidant, homeostasis

Question 5

List the vitamins & minerals that are involved in heart and circulatory system.

Answer 5

1. Cardiac Function:
   - Thiamine
   - Selenium
   - Potassium
   - Calcium
   - Magnesium
2. Blood Pressure
   - Sodium
   - Potassium
   - Calcium
   - Magnesium
3. Clotting Factors
   - Vitamin K
4. Red Blood Cells
   - Iron
   - Copper
   - Vitamin A
   - Vitamin B2
   - Vitamin B6
   - Vitamin B12
   - Folate

Question 6

Explain how Thiamin relates to cardiac function & deficiencies of it.

Answer 6

• The release of energy supplied by the heart
• Deficiencies lead to cardiac enlargement, oedema, build up of lactate & pyruvate, vasodilation and ultimately increase workload on the heart.

Question 7

Explain how Selenium relates to cardiac function & deficiencies of it.

Answer 7

• Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells against reactive oxygen species.
• Deficiencies lead to cardiomyopathy

Question 8

Explain how K, Ca, & Mg relates to cardiac function & deficiencies of it.

Answer 8

• Involved in electrical signaling

- Deficiencies lead to arrhythmias

Question 9

Explain how Sodium relates to blood pressure.

Answer 9

• The main cationic electrolyte of blood and extracellular fluid, regulates blood pressure, and acid-base balance through Na/K pump systems
• Excessive sodium intake from a processed food diet can lead to hypertension.

Question 10

Explain how K, Ca, & Mg relates to blood pressure & deficiencies of it.

Answer 10

• All help to lower blood pressure

Question 11

Explain how Vitamin K relates to clotting & deficiencies of it.

Answer 11

• Vitamin K is involved in the synthesis of y-carboxyglutamic acid from glutamic acid, which is essential for 4 of the factors of clotting.
• Deficiencies are rare because they are available in most dark green vegetables.
• Warfarin, the anticoagulant prevents regeneration of Vitamin K

Question 12

Explain how Iron relates to red blood cells

Answer 12

• Iron is essential for the carrying of oxygen, storage of proteins, and energy producing reactions such as the Electron Transport Chains and oxidative phosphorylation.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia can lead to reduced work capacity, compromised immune system, and eventually heart failure.

Question 13

Explain how Copper relates to red blood cells

Answer 13

• Found in red blood cells, and helps convert Fe2+ to Fe3+

- Cu deficiency leads to hypochromic anemia

Question 14

Explain how Vitamin A relates to red blood cells

Answer 14

• Unsaturated hydrocarbons involved in utilizing iron from ferritin, which stores iron
• Can lead IDA

Question 15

Explain how Vitamin B2 relates to red blood cells

Answer 15

• Deficiency can lead to hypochromic anaemia due to impaired Fe absorption.

Question 16

Explain how Vitamin B6 relates to red blood cells

Answer 16

• Involved in red blood cell formation

Question 17

Explain how Vitamin B12 and folate relates to red blood cells

Answer 17

• Vitamin B12 and folate help with the formation of pyrimidines and purines for the synthesis of RNA and DNA, so they are important for cell division
• Deficiencies result in RBC’s with low oxygen carrying capacity
• Deficiencies of B12 are high in vegans because B12 is only found in animal dietary requirements