Micro-Minerals

Question 1

What are micro-minerals?

Answer 1

Micro-minerals are minerals required in small amounts in order for the body to perform different functions.

Question 2

What are the functions of iodine?

Answer 2

• needed for the synthesis of the hormone thyroxine (which regulates growth and metabolic rate)

Question 3

What are the symptoms of an iodine deficiency?

Answer 3

• goitre (enlarged thyroid gland)
• mental retardation

Question 4

What are the functions of iron?

Answer 4

• necessary for the formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells (which carry oxygen from the lungs to the body cells)
• plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system
• important part of the enzymes needed in the release of energy in the cells

Question 5

What are the symptoms of an iron deficiency?

Answer 5

• anaemia (leads to tiredness, paleness, reduced ability to work, lower resistance to infections)

Question 6

What are the functions of fluoride?

Answer 6

• essential for hardening tooth enamel
• prevents tooth decay
• minimizes bone loss

Question 7

What are the symptoms of a fluoride deficiency?

Answer 7

• high incidence of tooth decay

Question 8

What are the functions of manganese?

Answer 8

• component of many enzymes
• needed for the formation of connective tissue
• assists in the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids
• required for growth, reproduction and blood clotting

Question 9

What are the functions of zinc?

Answer 9

• needed for growth, reproduction (puberty) and blood clotting
• plays a role in a healthy immune system
• part of enzymes involved in digestion
• hormones (puberty)
• part of insulin (storage and release)
• assists with vitamin A activity
• needed for proper taste and smell

Question 10

What are the symptoms of a zinc deficiency?

Answer 10

• impaired growth
• impaired sense of taste and smell
• skin lesions
• reduced immune function
• delayed wound healing

Question 11

What are the functions of copper?

Answer 11

• part of proteins and enzymes needed for energy production, iron metabolism, collagen synthesis, function of the immune and central nerve system
• iron and copper status are interrelated (too little copper can cause an iron deficiency and subsequent anaemia)

Question 12

What are the symptoms of a copper deficiency?

Answer 12

• anaemia
  low body temperature
  bone fractures and osteoporosis
• low white blood cell count
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of pigment from skin
• thyroid problems