chapter 15 - trace minerals Flashcards
trace mineral definition
required in amounts under 100mg
iron types
- heme: a protein, found in meat
- non-heme: found in both meat & plants
heme iron absorption
easily absorbed
transferrin transports iron into bloodstream
non-heme iron absorption
only absorbed when body LACKS iron
converted to heme iron before being picked up by transferrin
ferritin
transport protein that helps the body absorb iron by transporting it to the bloodstream
it is made OUT OF iron only when the body has enough iron
when ferritin is being made, it blocks more iron from being absorbed
MOST iron in body = hemoglobin, NOT ferritin
iron bioavailability
heme = readily absorbed
non-heme = limited absorption
- enhanced by MFP factor and Vit C
- inhibited by phytates and tannins
things that enhance iron absorption
- vitamin C
- heme iron
- leavening bread
- fermentation
- soaking beans or grains
- cast-iron pans
things that inhibit iron absorption
- high calcium with iron-containing food
- meds that reduce stomach acidity (antacids)
- oxalic acid (from foods like spinach)
- phytic acid (from foods like whole grains)
- soy protein (from foods like tofu)
- polyphenols (from tea)
ferritin
major storage form of iron
we use ferritin serum concentrations to assess iron status
stored in the liver, spleen, & bone marrow
transferrin
protein that transports iron to the bloodstream
anemia definition
condition where number of red blood cells are reduced/altered so they can’t carry enough oxygen
most common health problem in US & the world
anemia causes
blood loss
chronic low intake of iron OR low intake during critical periods (puberty, pregnancy)
populations at risk: females, vegans
microcytic anemia
anemia that comes from iron deficiency: comes from lack of red blood cells OR red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin
microcytic anemia consequences
alters:
1. normal growth
2. behavior
3. immune system function
4. energy metabolism
microcytic anemia symptoms
- fatigue/weakness
- shortness of breath
- dizziness/headache
- coldness in hands & feet
- pale skin
hereditary hemochromatosis
genetic defect that makes people absorb too much iron
symptoms = fatigue, lack of energy, abdominal pain
zinc sources
meat (pork, beef, lamb)
seafood
enriched/fortified cereal
dairy
legumes
things that enhance zinc absorption
low zinc intake/zinc deficiency
certain amino acids