Minerals Flashcards

Question

Zinc ........where is it mostly found in the body?

Answer 1

90% of the body’s zinc is found in the muscle and bones. There are animal sources of zinc and there are plant sources. The majority of zinc in the diet comes from animal sources such as beef, milk and poultry. Whole grains, peanuts, legumes and fortified breakfast cereals are also good sources. Like iron, the source of zinc can influence the absorption. **Animal sources are absorbed easily;** plant fibers, calcium, copper, and iron supplements can decrease the body’s capacity to absorb zinc. Zinc is important to many body functions: ***DNA synthesis, as a cofactor for enzymes, wound healing, bone, sexual organ maturation, prevention of cell oxidation, and growth.***

Answer 2

Zinc deficiency was first diagnosed in Middle Eastern countries that rely on cereal grains and plants as their primary source of calories. In the early 1970’s, a deficiency was found in hospitalized patients who were being fed only intravenously. Deficiency symptoms include acne like rash, diarrhea, hair loss and a reduced sense of taste and smell. In children and adolescents, impaired sexual development, delayed growth and learning disabilities occur.

Answer 3

Hypogeusia is the clinical term for impaired taste Hyposmia is a decreased sense of smell. These are symptoms of zinc deficiency. zinc deficiency is rare in North America in healthy individuals. Alcoholics, vegans, poor children and the elderly may be at risk. A simple blood test can measure one’s zinc levels and supplementation will correct the deficiency.

Answer 4

important as **an antioxidant and contributes to thyroid hormone metabolism.** Research on selenium's effects to protect against cancer is ongoing. Selenium is found in fish, meat, eggs, organ meats and grain grown in soil containing selenium. A deficiency of selenium is rare; symptoms include muscle pain, muscle wasting and a specific form of heart disease. Choosing a wide variety of foods prevents a deficiency from occurring.

Answer 5

**required to promote growth and development, to regulate metabolism, and for thyroid hormone synthesis.** During World War I a link between lack of iodide and goiter was discovered. Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Over time as the thyroid swells, it can exert pressure on the trachea making it difficult to breath. Iodide can prevent goiter formation, but has no effect on the goiter once it is formed. Surgery may be necessary to remove it. During the war it was noted that certain regions of the country had an increased incidence of goiter. Soil samples indicated that there was little iodide in the soil of these areas. The result was a mandatory fortification program in which iodide was added to salt. Because of this, a deficiency in North America is rare. However other countries in Europe Latin America, Asia and Africa do not have mandatory fortification and goiter still occurs. In a pregnant woman, lack of iodide early in the pregnancy can have negative consequences for the developing fetus. Stunted growth and poor mental development are often the outcome. These are symptoms of a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism. In addition to salt, iodide is found in saltwater fish, seafood, dairy and grain products

Answer 6

important in the metabolism of iron, as a co-factor for antioxidants, connective tissue proteins, blood clotting and immune functions. Copper is absorbed in the stomach and small intestines and is found in liver, seafood, legumes, nuts, dried fruits, cocoa and whole grains. Food sources are better absorbed than supplements and the majority of the population consumes adequate amounts of copper. Consumption of excess zinc will interfere with copper absorption leading to a deficiency. In addition, infants who are on milk based diet rather than formula or breast milk, premature infants, and someone who has had intestinal surgery could also be at risk for a deficiency. Symptoms include low white cell count, poor growth, bone loss and anemia.

Answer 7

inhibits bacterial activity in the mouth and prevents tooth decay. It also strengthens the structure of bone and teeth and is important in the synthesis of tooth enamel. In the 1940’s experiments were conducted that examined the relation between levels of fluoride in the water supply and the development of dental caries (cavities). Following these experiments, water supplies began to be supplemented with fluoride. For those people who rely on well water as their major source, fluoride tablets and treatments are available. Most toothpaste also contains fluoride. Excess amount of fluoride can cause mottling, white or yellow spots on the teeth. This occurs during tooth development and for this reason children are encouraged not to swallow toothpaste.

Answer 8

enhances the transport of glucose across the cells by aiding insulin function. Studies are examining the relationship between low chromium intake and development of type 2 diabetes. This mineral may also be involved in cholesterol synthesis and a deficiency may lead to elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Research in this area is ongoing. Plant sources of chromium are again dependent upon the soil content; sources also include egg yolks, nuts, organ and other meats. Supplements are not advised as toxic levels can lead to liver damage and lung cancer.

Answer 9

Other trace minerals include manganese and molybdenum, both act as cofactors for enzymes, boron, nickel arsenic and silicon. Typical diets provide adequate amounts of these trace minerals and research into their importance continues.