chapter 10; trace minerals Flashcards
What are trace minerals?
Trace minerals are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts (usually less than 100 milligrams per day). They are vital for proper growth, development, and health.
What functions do trace minerals serve?
Trace minerals play important roles in enzyme function, hormone synthesis, immune system health, and energy production.
What is the function of iron?
Iron is crucial for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin, supports energy production, immune function, and DNA synthesis.
What are the sources of heme iron?
Heme iron is found in animal sources such as red meat, poultry, and seafood.
What are the sources of non-heme iron?
Non-heme iron is found in plant sources such as legumes, spinach, tofu, and fortified cereals.
What enhances the absorption of non-heme iron?
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron.
What inhibits iron absorption?
Calcium and tannins (found in tea and coffee) can inhibit iron absorption.
What is iron-deficiency anemia?
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
What can excess iron cause?
Excess iron can cause organ damage, oxidative stress, and conditions like hemochromatosis.
What is the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for iron in adults?
The UL for adults is 45 mg/day.
What is the function of zinc?
Zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, wound healing, immune function, and cell division.
What are the sources of zinc?
Sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, poultry, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dairy products.
What inhibits the absorption of zinc?
Phytates found in whole grains and legumes can inhibit zinc absorption.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
Zinc deficiency can lead to growth retardation, hair loss, poor wound healing, skin lesions, and increased susceptibility to infections.
What can excess zinc cause?
Excess zinc can interfere with copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency and possibly impairing immune function.
What is the UL for zinc in adults?
The UL for adults is 40 mg/day.
What is the function of iodine?
Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
What are the sources of iodine?
Rich sources of iodine include iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and seaweed.
What is goiter?
Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland due to insufficient iodine.
What can severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy lead to?
Severe iodine deficiency can lead to cretinism, resulting in impaired brain development in infants.
What is the UL for iodine in adults?
The UL for iodine in adults is 1,100 mcg/day.
What is the function of selenium?
Selenium acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage and is involved in thyroid hormone metabolism.
What are the sources of selenium?
Sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, meats, poultry, whole grains, and eggs.
What can selenium deficiency lead to?
Selenium deficiency can lead to Keshan disease, reduced immune function, and muscle weakness.
What is selenosis?
Selenosis is caused by high selenium levels and can lead to symptoms like garlic-like breath odor and hair loss.
What is the UL for selenium in adults?
The UL for selenium in adults is 400 mcg/day.
What is the function of copper?
Copper plays a vital role in iron metabolism, red blood cell formation, and collagen synthesis.
What are the sources of copper?
Sources of copper include shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.
What can copper deficiency lead to?
Copper deficiency can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and bone abnormalities.
What can excess copper cause?
Excess copper can lead to liver damage and disrupt zinc absorption.
What is the UL for copper in adults?
The UL for copper in adults is 10 mg/day.
What is the function of manganese?
Manganese is involved in bone formation, blood clotting, and metabolism.
What are the sources of manganese?
Sources of manganese include whole grains, nuts, leafy vegetables, and tea.
What can manganese deficiency cause?
Manganese deficiency can cause skeletal abnormalities and impaired glucose metabolism.
What can excessive manganese exposure cause?
Excessive exposure can cause neurological symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
What is the UL for manganese in adults?
The UL for manganese in adults is 11 mg/day.
What is the function of chromium?
Chromium enhances the action of insulin, helping regulate blood glucose levels.
What are the sources of chromium?
Sources of chromium include whole grains, meats, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
What can chromium deficiency impair?
Chromium deficiency can impair glucose tolerance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
What can high levels of chromium from supplements cause?
High levels from supplements can cause kidney damage.
What is the UL for chromium?
The UL for chromium is 1,000 mcg/day.
What is the function of molybdenum?
Molybdenum is a cofactor for enzymes involved in the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids.
What are the sources of molybdenum?
Sources of molybdenum include legumes, grains, and nuts.
What can molybdenum deficiency cause?
Molybdenum deficiency is extremely rare but could cause metabolic issues.
What can high levels of molybdenum lead to?
High levels can lead to reproductive and developmental problems in animals.
What is the function of fluoride?
Fluoride is important for the formation of strong teeth and bones and helps prevent tooth decay.
What are the sources of fluoride?
Sources of fluoride include fluoridated water, tea, seafood, and some dental products.
What can fluoride deficiency increase the risk of?
Fluoride deficiency increases the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
What can high fluoride intake lead to?
High fluoride intake can lead to dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.
What is the UL for fluoride in adults?
The UL for fluoride in adults is 10 mg/day.
Why is balance important for trace minerals?
Trace minerals must be consumed in balance, as both deficiencies and toxicities can cause significant health problems.
How should trace minerals be obtained?
It’s best to obtain trace minerals from food, as they are more easily absorbed and utilized by the body than supplements.
What is crucial for maintaining optimal health regarding trace minerals?
A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is crucial for preventing deficiencies or toxicities.
