trace minerals Flashcards
what are the 5 trace minerals?
-fluorine
-iodine
-iron
-selenium
-zinc
what are 3 sources of fluorine?
-drinking water
-tea
-fish
what are the functions of fluorine?
-maintenance of bone health by supporting bone mineralization
-protects teeth by hardening enamel and so prevents dental caries
what may occur due to a deficiency of fluorine? is a deficiency common?
-increasing risk of dental caries
-no due to fluorine being added to dental products and water
what can happen if large amounts of fluorine is eaten?
-can cause fluorosis
-symptoms can include crumbling of teeth, skeletal changes, joint and bone problems
-in adults it can also cause skeletal changes and joint problems
what are 3 sources of iodine?
-meat
-eggs
-dairy products
what are the functions of iodine ?
-needed to produce thyroid hormones which support thyroid function
-needed to support healthy growth and development
-regulates metabolism
-maintains energy levels
-regulates body temperature
where is iodine absorbed and what are the two enzymes it makes and what are their job?
-absorbed in the thyroid gland
-triiodothyronine and thyroxine
-they are involved in the rate of energy production in cells
what can a deficiency of iodine result in?
-the thyroid gland can begin to swell, this is called goiter and can cause an overactive thyroid which shows symptoms like heart palpitations and anxiety
-can cause an underactive thyroid which can result in symptoms like weight gain and lethargy
what can an excess intake of iodine result in?
-toxic effects on the thyroid gland
-it can cause hyperthyroidism and a goiter
-toxicity is rare however oversupplemenation can result in it
what are three nutrients that impair the absorption of iodine?
-vit A
-iron
-zinc
how is most at risk for a deficiency of iodine and why?
-vegans because iodine is mostly found in animal sources
what are the two types of iron?
-haem and non haem
what are 3 sources of iron ?
-meat
-fish
-green leafy veg
what are 5 functions of iron?
-used as haemoglobin which is responsible for transporting oxygen in the lungs to the rest of the body
-found in myoglobin which is a protein which acts as an oxygen carrier in the muscles
-supports healthy growth and development
-helps maintain our energy levels
-normal functioning of the immune system
what does a deficiency of iron cause?
-anaemia
what happens if anaemia is developed?
-number of red blood cells is reduced
-amount of oxygen carried to the tissues is reduced
what are 4 symptoms of anaemia?
-lack of energy
-lethargy
-headaches
-dizziness
why is anaemia more common in women? what are another group that are susceptible to anaemia?
-menstruation as blood is lost
-adolescents due to rapid growth spurts and the beginning of menstruation
what can happen due to a large intake of iron? why can iron intoxication occur?
-heart and liver damage
-due to overusing supplements which can be fatal in children
what are the 5 ages and stages where iron is particularly important? explain why
-during infancy and childhood as these are the periods of the most rapid growth, insufficient iron at childhood can result in impaired cognitive development
-during adolescence for healthy growth
-form the beginning of menstruation to the menopause
-during pregnancy so that baby has an iron store when they are born because breast and cows milk are poor sources of iron
-vegans and vegetarians must rely on non haem iron which isnt as easily absorbed by the body
how does the form of iron affect its rate of absorption?
-iron from meat (haem) is more easily absorbed because it is better recognized by the body
what vitamin helps with the absorption of iron?
-vitamin c
what limits the absorption of iron?
-phytates which are found in cereal bran
-tannins in tea can also reduce absorption
-oxalates in spinach
what are 4 sources of selenium?
-meat
-fish
-eggs
-brazil nuts
what are the four functions of selenium?
-used as an antioxidant enzyme which protects the body against oxidative damage
-protects the immune system
-prevents CVD
-helps maintain healthy muscles
-supports the reproductive system and protects against prostate cancer
what are the 3 things that a deficiency of selenium can lead to?
-impaired immune system
-weakening of the muscles
-fertility issues
what disease can occur due to a deficiency of selenium? who is most prone to this disease?
-Keshan disease
-its is a heart condition that affects women and children
why might a excess selenium be consumed?
-unlikely but can result of over using supplements
what other mineral does selenium work with and what do they do?
-iodine
-they work together to help with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland
what are 3 sources of zinc?
-meat
-eggs
-dairy products
what are 5 functions of zinc?
-helps the body make protein
-helps make genetic material DNA and RNA
-supports our reproductive systems
-supports healthy growth and development
-boosts immune system
what are 2 symptoms of a deficiency of zinc?
-poor immunity e.g. slow wound healing
-reduced rate of growth in children
high intakes of zinc can interfere with what?
-copper metabolism which can cause neurological problems
what reduces the absorption of zinc in the gut? (one thing)
-phytates in bran
what are the 4 ages and stages that should monitor their zinc intake?
-during infancy and childhood, adolescence and pregnancy because zinc is important in protein production and cell division and so important for regular growth
-vegans and vegetarians need more zinc as their diets are usually high in wholegrains which reduce the absorption of zinc
