Minerals

Question 1

What are the sources and functions associated with:

Iron

Answer 1

Iron can be found in heme products (meats) and non-heme products (spinach and tofu) to be reabsorbed at the proximal small intestines. It is part of hemoglobin, myoglobin and reactions of neurotransmitters, collagen and hormones.

Question 2

Oxalates, phytates and alkaline pH _____ the bioavailability of iron. Whereas, what 3 things raise iron’s bioavailability?

Answer 2

Oxalates, phytates and alkaline gastric pH reduces iron. Vitamin C, MPF protein and acids increase it’s bioavailability.

Question 3

What are the 2 storage molecules of iron and which one reflects levels of iron better?

Answer 3

Ferritin > Hemosiderin

Question 4

What conditions are associated with iron deficiency?

Answer 4

Malnourishment, menses can reduce MCV, ferritin and transferrin, but increase TIBC. This is associated with Iron deficient anemia, PICA and Plummer Vinson Syndrome (anemia, esophageal webs, and glossitis).

Question 5

What 3 conditions are associated with Iron toxicity? Define each.

Answer 5

1. Hereditary Hemochromatosis - mutated HFE gene can code a nonsense protein that increases Fe absorption; (arthritis and sexual dysfunction)
2. Liver cirrhosis - from increased ROS associated with iron.
3. Bronze Diabetes = DM II + jaundice from liver condition.

Question 6

________is the storage protein for copper in the liver. _______ binds copper to take it from circulation to the liver; whereas, _______ is a protein that takes copper from the liver to the rest of the body.

Answer 6

Metallothionein = copper storage molecule at liver;

Albumin takes copper from gut to liver; Ceruloplasmin takes it from liver to rest of body.

Question 7

Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine and magnesium all have what in common?

Answer 7

These are Macro-minerals that are consumed > 1 g/day.

Question 8

Iodine, copper, zinc and iron all have what in common?

Answer 8

These are micro-minerals that are consumed < 1 g/day.

Question 9

An acidic environment _____ the bioavailability of copper; whereas, fiber, phytates, calcium, zinc and iron _____ its bioavailability.

Answer 9

Acidic environment increases bioavailability of copper. Fiber, phytates and other similar minerals reduce copper’s bioavailability.

Question 10

What condition is associated with a deficiency in copper? What of too much copper in the diet? Describe each.

Answer 10

Too little copper = Menke’s disease (wiry, silver hair and stunted growth);
Too much copper in liver = Wilson’s disease (Kayser-Flescher rings in cornea + Parkinson’s/psychosis)

Question 11

What things reduce the bioavailability of Zinc? Why do they do this?

Answer 11

Copper and Iron compete with Zinc for absorption due to similar size and charge.

Question 12

What functions are linked with Zinc?

Answer 12

DNA/RNA synthesis, sexual maturation, proper functioning of immune system and the mediation of the senses of smell and taste.

Question 13

Name some common causes of zinc deficiency and the hereditary condition that fits with this.

Answer 13

Alcoholism, smoking and malabsorption are common causes of low zinc in the body resulting in reduced appetite, alopecia, poor wound healing and less smell/taste. Acrodermatitis Enteropathica is an inherited mutation that lowers the transport of Zinc in enterocytes. This results in diarrhea and dermatitis (oral, anogenital regions).

Question 14

The active form of selenium is ______. This functions as a cofactor in 5’ deiodinase for the conversion of ___ to ___.

Answer 14

Selenocysteine = cofactor in 5’ deiodinase for conversion of T4 to T3.

Question 15

A deficiency in selenium has been indicated in ______ disease. Toxicity can present as _______.

Answer 15

Keshan’s Disease (China origin) is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, decreased appetite and nausea. Toxicity can present as garlic breath, hair loss and fingernail dystrophy.

Question 16

What foods lower the bioavailability of Iodine? What are some downstream effects of eating too much of these?

Answer 16

Goitrogens such as sweet potatoes, cassava and broccoli reduce the bioavailability of iodine. This reduces T3/4 production that can present with symptoms of Hypothyroidism or Cretinism of a child born to a pregnant women with low intake of iodine.

Question 17

What drug is implicated with Iodine toxicity? Briefly describe the 2 effects it can have on the body.

Answer 17

Amiodarone (37% Iodine) is an anti-arrhythmic drug that can lead to Hyperthyroidism (via Jod-Basedow Effect) that is associated with weight loss and sweating. It can also lead to Hypothyroidism (via Wolff-Chaikoff Effect) that occured from a sudden increase in iodine that stunned the thyroid.

Question 18

What are common sources and functions of fluoride mineral?

Answer 18

Fluoride is a topical mineral that builds enamel and tooth density. Common sources include tea, seafood/seaweed and fluoride toothpaste.

Question 19

What are some common sources and the function of Chromium in our diet? What effect would a deficiency in this mineral have?

Answer 19

Chromium can be found in eggs, nuts, whole grains and mushrooms. It enhances the function of insulin, so a deficiency would result in elevated blood glucose levels after meals.

Question 20

Where can Cobalt be found in our diet? What is it’s function and related deficiency?

Answer 20

Cobalt can be found in animal food with Vitamin B12, in which it’s a constituent. A deficiency in this mineral presents with the same symptoms as Vitamin B12 deficiency such as Pernicious Anemia.