Selenium, Iodine and Fluoride (The Final Microminerals)

Question 1

In what form is selenium present in the diet?

Answer 1

Selenomethionine and selenocysteine

Question 2

Daily requirement of selenium

Answer 2

50 - 100 µg

Requirement is increased during lactation

Question 3

What is the biochemical function of selenium?

Answer 3

Used as an antioxidant as it is a part of Glutathione Peroxidase (GPO)

Question 4

What are some disorders of selenium metabolism?

Answer 4

Keshan Disease (due to Se deficiency): Selenium responsive cardiomyopathy, endemic in China in areas with low selenium.
Selenosis (due to excess of Selenium): Characterized by cirrhosis, splenomegaly and depression

Question 5

Which hormones does iodine contribute to the formation of?

Answer 5

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4

Question 6

How is iodine stored?

Answer 6

Stored in the thyroid hormone by iodination of thyroglobin

Question 7

What foods contain iodine?

Answer 7

Seafood, particularly seaweed

Question 8

Where is deficiency of iodine most common?

Answer 8

Inland areas

Question 9

What does iodine deficiency in fetal and infant stages cause?

Answer 9

Cretinism (poor growth + mental retardation)

Question 10

What does iodine deficiency in children cause?

Answer 10

Lower intelligence

Question 11

What does iodine deficiency in adults cause?

Answer 11

Hypothyroidism

Question 12

In what form does fluorine exist in nature?

Answer 12

Calcium fluoride

Question 13

What is the safe limit for fluorine in water?

Answer 13

1 PPM

Question 14

Fluorine in the teeth are found in what form?

Answer 14

Calcium Fluoroapatite Ca₅[(PO₄)₃F]

Calcium fluoroapatite is more stable and does not dissolve at the pH of the mouth, unlike calcium hydroxyapatite which forms the bones

Question 15

What does fluorine levels above 2 PPM cause?

Answer 15

Fluorosis