Chapter 12

Question 1

Define trace elements and provide common examples

Answer 1

Minerals required in amounts <100 mg/day

ex. iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, fluoride, and chromium.

Question 2

What are the functions of iron in the body?

Answer 2

essential for oxygen transport (hemoglobin and myoglobin), energy production, and immune function.

Question 3

Heme Iron?

Answer 3

Found in animal products, better absorbed.

Question 4

Non-heme iron?

Answer 4

Found in plant products and less efficiently absorbed.

Question 5

What factors affect increase of iron absorption?

Answer 5

Vitamin C, heme iron, and low iron stores.

Question 6

What are the forms of iron in the body?

Answer 6

Storage: Ferritin and hemosiderin.

Transport: Transferrin.

Question 6

What factors affect decrease of iron absorption?

Answer 6

Phytates, calcium, polyphenols (tea, coffee), and high iron stores.

Question 7

Define iron deficiency anemia and list symptoms and susceptible groups.

Answer 7

A condition caused by insufficient hemoglobin production, leading to oxygen delivery issues.

Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin.

Susceptible groups: Infants, children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and athletes.

Question 8

What are the risks of iron toxicity?

Answer 8

Excess iron can damage organs (e.g., liver, heart), cause gastrointestinal distress, and lead to hemochromatosis.

Question 9

Who is at risk for zinc deficiency, and what are the symptoms?

Answer 9

At risk: Vegetarians, pregnant women, elderly, and those with genetic conditions.

Symptoms: Poor growth, delayed wound healing, skin rashes, and reduced immune function.

Question 10

What are the functions of zinc and factors affecting its absorption?

Answer 10

Functions: Enzyme activity, immune regulation, DNA synthesis, and cell membrane stability.

Absorption: Enhanced by animal sources; inhibited by phytates.

Question 11

What are the dietary sources and functions of copper?

Answer 11

Sources: Organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Functions: Assists in iron metabolism, connective tissue synthesis, and antioxidant protection.

Question 12

What is the role of manganese in the body?

Answer 12

Essential for antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and is involved in metabolism, cartilage formation, and urea synthesis.

Question 13

What is selenium’s role in the body, and how does it interact with vitamin E?

Answer 13

Functions: Antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase), thyroid hormone production.

Role in cancer: May protect against cancer in selenium-deficient individuals.

Interaction with vitamin E: Reduces vitamin E requirement.

Question 14

How does iodine relate to thyroid hormones, and what are deficiency effects?

Answer 14

Function: Essential for thyroid hormone synthesis.

Deficiency: Causes goiter, cretinism, and developmental delays.

Question 15

What are chromium’s functions and food sources?

Answer 15

Functions: Enhances insulin action and regulates blood glucose.

Sources: Brewer’s yeast, liver, nuts, and whole grains.

Question 16

How does fluoride prevent dental caries, and what are the risks of toxicity?

Answer 16

Role: Strengthens enamel, reduces acid production, and promotes remineralization.

Toxicity: Can cause mottled teeth, kidney damage, and bone abnormalities.

Question 17

What nutrients are involved in antioxidant activity?

Answer 17

Vitamins: C, E.

Minerals: Selenium, zinc, copper, manganese.

Question 18

Which nutrients support immune function?

Answer 18

Vitamins A, D, B6, B12, folate; zinc; selenium; copper; iron; omega-3 fatty acids

Question 19

Vitamin A

Answer 19

Controls gene expression related to immune cell development.

Maintains mucosal barriers to prevent infections.

Question 20

Vitamin D

Answer 20

Modulates immune response, reducing inflammation.

Enhances pathogen-fighting ability of macrophages and supports T-cell activation.

Question 21

Vitamin B6

Answer 21

Necessary for the production of lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Supports antibody formation.

Question 22

Vitamin B12 and Folate

Answer 22

Involved in DNA synthesis for the rapid production of immune cells.

Question 23

Vitamin C

Answer 23

Protects immune cells as an antioxidant.

Enhances skin barrier function and supports white blood cell function.

Question 24

Vitamin E

Answer 24

Acts as an antioxidant to protect immune cells from oxidative damage.

Enhances T-cell function.

Question 25

Zinc

Answer 25

Regulates cell division and supports development of white blood cells.

Stabilizes immune cell membranes.

Question 26

Selenium

Answer 26

Functions as part of glutathione peroxidase to reduce oxidative damage.

Enhances immunity and protects immune cells.

Question 27

Copper

Answer 27

Supports the function of antioxidant enzymes.

Assists in the production and maintenance of white blood cells.

Question 28

Iron

Answer 28

Needed for oxygen transport in immune cells.

Supports the proliferation and maturation of immune cells.

Question 29

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Answer 29

Produce anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.

Support the resolution of inflammation and modulate immune cell activity.

Question 30

Ceruloplasmin

Answer 30

Major copper-carrying protein in blood

Question 31

Cretinism

Answer 31

Condition resulting from poor maternal iodine intake during preganncy that causes stunted growth and poor mental developmental in offspring