Module 8 Flashcards
Define trace minerals
Trace minerals: minerals that are required in small amounts, typically under 100 mg per day
List the major trace minerals
Iron, iodine, selenium, zinc, chromium, copper, fluoride, Manganese , molybendum
Define major mineral
Major mineral: minerals that are required by the body and larger amounts, over 100 mg per day
What are the major minerals
Sodium, phosphorus, chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sulphur
What are the functions of iron
- Cognitive function and brain health – Neuro transmitter synthesis, adequate iron is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, concentration and memory
- DNA synthesis + cell division = iron is a cofactor of several enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and cell division. Iron is essential for production of red blood cells
- Energy metabolism – cytochromes – iron is an essential part of the ETC in the mitochondria, where it helps facilitate ATP production
- Growth and development - iron is essential for proper fetal development, particularly for the development of red blood cells and brain function during pregnancy. Necessary for healthy growth and cognitive development in children
- Immune function – necessary for the development and function of immune cell
- Oxygen transport and storage – iron is a key component in haemoglobin and myoglobin
What are some sources of iron
Ground beef, salmon, chicken, all bran cereal, beans
What are the types of iron
Heme and non heme
What is the absorption of iron affected by
Boosted by vitamin C
reduced by calcium, phytates, oxalates, tannins (greens, dark leafy greens, tea and coffee)
What is the RDA for Trace minerals
Iron
- men: 8 mg
- females: 18 mg
zinc
- men: 11 mg
- females: 8 mg
Who is at risk of iron deficiency
Menstruating females, vegetarian or vegan‘s (Recommendations are 80% higher), gastrointestinal diseases, restricted eating, high-performance athletes (Recommendations are 30 to 70% higher)
How is iron deficiency detected
We test iron deficiency using a blood test to measure levels of serum ferritin (<30mg) and haemoglobin (<120mg females <110mg men)
What is anaemia
Anemia: pathological condition in which the number of red blood cells or haemoglobin within them is insufficient to meet the bodies physiological oxygen carrying needs. Essentially iron deficiency
What are recommendations for iron supplementation
generally 100 mg is a good start, taken at night along with 200 mg vitamin C. Takes 6 to 8 weeks to increase serum ferritin stores, and there are side effects of gastrointestinal upset or constipation
Iron salts
What are the functions of zinc
- Gene expression in protein synthesis - Acts as a structural component of transcription factors affecting our genes are expressed
- Growth and development critical for cell division, DNA synthesis, and overall growth
- Immune system – maintains skin integrity, defends against pathogens, promotes wound healing
- Iron metabolism
- Metabolism - carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Protects cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation
- Taste and smell - essential for the proper functioning of taste and smell receptors and may influence appetite. Deficiency is often associated with reduced appetite
What are some sources of zinc
Animal proteins, like crab, beef. Plant-based foods contain zinc but is often with phytate which can inhibit absorption. Soaking, sprouting, and fermenting with absorption
What results from zinc deficiency
Stunted growth particularly in children and adolescents, hair loss, diarrhea, eye and skin lesions, poor appetite, and delayed sexual maturation. Toxicity suppresses the immune system and results in gastrointestinal symptoms as well as copper deficiency?
What are the functions of calcium
- Blood clotting – plays a key role in the blood coagulation process, necessary for the formation of clots to prevent excessive bleeding
- Bone and teeth health – 99% of the bodies calcium stores are in bones and teeth. Is essential for the development, maintenance, and density of bones and teeth
- Cell signalling – acts as a secondary (intracellular) messenger and many signalling pathways
- Hormonal secretion – involved in endocrine function, including the release of insulin
- Nerve transmission – vital for the release of neurotransmitters at synopsis, allowing for effective communication between nerve cells (neurotransmitter release)
- Muscle contraction - enables the interaction of actin and myosin
What is the RDA for some major minerals
Calcium = 1000 mg
Sodium < 2300 mg
Magnesium
- men: 420mg
- women: 320mg
Potassium = (AI) 4700mg
What are some sources of calcium
Dairy foods, orange juice, soy and almond drinks, tofu, some leafy green vegetables
What conditions result from calcium deficiency
Osteoporosis and rickets
What are the recommendations for calcium supplementation
Calcium is best absorbed in 500 mg at a time. Upper level is 2500 mg