microminerals and ultratrace minerals

Question 1

What is the third largest trace element in the human body?

Answer 1

Copper.

Question 2

What are the sources of copper?

Answer 2

Seafood (oysters, crabs), liver, nuts (sesame & sunflower seeds), soy products, legumes, cocoa.

Question 3

What are the functions of copper?

Answer 3

Essential for enzyme function, nutrient metabolism, immune function, connective tissue integrity, red blood cell and connective tissue formation, collagen production, oxidative reaction enzymes, and neurotransmitter production (norepinephrine, dopamine).

Question 4

What causes copper deficiency?

Answer 4

High zinc intake or total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Question 5

What are the symptoms of copper deficiency?

Answer 5

Reduced skin/hair pigmentation, low white blood cell count, poor collagen cross-linking, osteoporosis, arthritis, spontaneous fractures, arterial disease.

Question 6

What causes copper toxicity?

Answer 6

Increased levels in rheumatoid arthritis, myocardial infarction, estrogen therapy, pregnancy, and Wilson disease.

Question 7

What is Wilson disease?

Answer 7

Excess copper accumulation in the liver, brain, kidney, and cornea (Kayser-Fleischer ring).

Question 8

What are the sources of selenium?

Answer 8

Seafood, liver, kidney, meats, dairy, eggs, whole grains, nuts, mushrooms.

Question 9

What makes selenium more bioavailable?

Answer 9

Dairy and eggs.

Question 10

What are the functions of selenium?

Answer 10

Role in enamel and dentin health, cofactor for antioxidant enzyme, protects lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, contributes to immune function, skeletal integrity, and works with vitamin E as an antioxidant.

Question 11

Where is selenium present in the body?

Answer 11

In tooth enamel and dentin.

Question 12

What is a selenium deficiency?

Answer 12

Keshan disease (cardiomyopathy).

Question 13

What are the symptoms of selenium toxicity?

Answer 13

Liver cirrhosis, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dermatitis, hair loss, white blotchy nails, garlicky breath.

Question 14

Can selenium toxicity promote dental caries?

Answer 14

Yes, if consumed pre-eruptively.

Question 15

Are selenium toxicity symptoms common in humans?

Answer 15

No, they are rarely seen in humans, mostly in animals due to irregular soil distribution.

Question 16

What are the sources of chromium?

Answer 16

Meats, whole grains, wheat germ, nuts, mushrooms.

Question 17

What are the symptoms of chromium deficiency?

Answer 17

Decreased insulin sensitivity, glucose intolerance, increased diabetes risk.

Question 17

What are the functions of chromium?

Answer 17

Regulates glucose metabolism, assists lipid breakdown, involved in carbohydrate & lipid metabolism, enhances insulin action, glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Question 18

What are the symptoms of chromium toxicity?

Answer 18

Liver damage, lung cancer.

Question 19

What are the sources of manganese?

Answer 19

Whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, nuts, tea, infant formula.

Question 20

What are the functions of manganese?

Answer 20

Prevents osteoporosis, supports bone health and metabolism, essential for multiple enzyme systems, important for bone matrix development, involved in insulin production, helps amino acid, cholesterol, and carbohydrate metabolism.

Question 21

Are manganese deficiency symptoms common?

Answer 21

No, deficiency is not reported in normal diets.

Question 22

What are the symptoms of manganese toxicity?

Answer 22

Ataxia, headache, fatigue, anxiety, Parkinson-like symptoms (“Manganese madness”).

Question 23

What environmental issue can contribute to manganese toxicity?

Answer 23

Environmental contaminants.

Question 24

How is manganese linked to dental health?

Answer 24

High levels in saliva and enamel are linked to increased caries.

Question 25

What are the sources of molybdenum?

Answer 25

Legumes, whole grains, nuts.

Question 26

What are the functions of molybdenum?

Answer 26

Supports enzyme function, enzyme cofactor, plays a role in enzyme activation in saliva, affects enamel health.

Question 27

What are the symptoms of molybdenum deficiency?

Answer 27

Not commonly reported, but liver and many vegetables are poor sources of molybdenum.

Question 28

What are the sources of nickel?

Answer 28

Chocolate, nuts, beans, grains, fruits, vegetables.

Question 29

What is the physiological role of nickel?

Answer 29

Its role is unclear, but it may play a part in vitamin B12 metabolism and iron absorption.

Question 30

What are the sources of tin?

Answer 30

Found in trace amounts in foods and as a food additive.

Question 31

What are the physiological roles of tin?

Answer 31

Potential impact on bone health, may influence calcium and zinc utilization, could affect bone growth and maintenance.

Question 32

What are the sources of silicon?

Answer 32

Whole grains (especially oats), root vegetables, cereals.

Question 33

What are the functions of silicon?

Answer 33

Supports connective tissue structure and resilience of collagen, elastin, and polysaccharide structure.

Question 34

What are the sources of cobalt?

Answer 34

B12-rich foods (whole grains, dairy, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, dark leafy greens).

Question 35

What are the functions of cobalt?

Answer 35

Red blood cell production, supports metabolism, essential for vitamin B12, aids metabolism and red blood cell production, assists in synthesis of amino acids, proteins, and neurotransmitters.