Trace Minerals

Question 1

What are the two types of trace elements?

Answer 1

Metals (e.g., Selenium)
Halogens (e.g., Fluoride, Iodine)

Question 2

What essential roles do trace elements play in the body?

Answer 2

Maintain health and tissue functions
Perform unique metabolic roles

Question 3

What is the typical concentration of trace elements in the body?

Answer 3

Wet tissue: Less than 1 µg/g
Dry body weight: Less than 0.01%

Question 4

What trace element enhances insulin action and supports glucose and lipid metabolism?

Answer 4

Chromium

Question 5

What conditions can result from chromium deficiency?

Answer 5

Insulin resistance
Impaired glucose tolerance (Type II Diabetes Mellitus)
Hyperlipidemia

Question 6

What are the toxic effects of chromium?

Answer 6

Skin ulcers
Renal and hepatic necrosis

Question 7

What trace element supports hemoglobin synthesis and is a component of vitamin B12?

Answer 7

Cobalt

Question 8

What conditions can result from cobalt deficiency?

Answer 8

Anemia
Growth depression

Question 9

What toxic effects are associated with cobalt?

Answer 9

Heart failure
Hypothyroidism

Question 10

What trace element is essential for cellular respiration and collagen synthesis?

Answer 10

Copper

Question 11

What disease is caused by copper deficiency?

Answer 11

Menkes disease

Question 12

What effect does excess copper have on nutrient absorption?

Answer 12

Interferes with iron and zinc absorption

Question 13

What condition is characterized by sparse, kinky hair, failure to thrive, and nervous system deterioration?

Answer 13

Menkes disease

Question 14

What genetic mutation causes Menkes disease?

Answer 14

ATP7A gene mutation, which disrupts copper transport

Question 15

How is Menkes disease diagnosed?

Answer 15

Brittle, sparse, tangled hair
Low serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels

Question 16

What trace element reduces pain, protects against gum disease, and prevents tooth decay?

Answer 16

Fluoride

Question 17

What is the primary function of fluoride?

Answer 17

Prevention of dental caries

Question 18

What condition results from fluoride deficiency?

Answer 18

Dental caries

Question 19

What trace element is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis (T3, T4)?

Answer 19

Iodine

Question 20

What conditions can result from iodine deficiency?

Answer 20

Goiter
Cretinism
Myxedema

Question 21

What condition results from excessive iodine intake?

Answer 21

Thyrotoxicosis

Question 22

What trace element is essential for oxygen transport and is a key component of hemoglobin?

Answer 22

Iron

Question 23

What condition results from iron deficiency?

Answer 23

Iron deficiency anemia

Question 24

What condition results from excessive iron accumulation?

Answer 24

Hemochromatosis

Question 25

What trace element plays a role in bone formation and connective tissue maintenance?

Answer 25

Manganese

Question 26

What condition results from manganese deficiency?

Answer 26

Skeletal defects

Question 27

What conditions are linked to manganese toxicity?

Answer 27

Parkinson’s disease Psychiatric disorders

Question 28

What trace element supports DNA metabolism?

Answer 28

Molybdenum

Question 29

What conditions result from molybdenum deficiency?

Answer 29

Growth depression Cretinism Goiter

Question 30

What toxic effects are associated with molybdenum?

Answer 30

Anemia Thyrotoxicosis

Question 31

What trace element helps prevent oxidative lipid damage?

Answer 31

Selenium

Question 32

What disease is caused by selenium deficiency?

Answer 32

Keshan disease

Question 33

What are the toxic effects of selenium?

Answer 33

Hair and nail loss Liver failure

Question 34

What trace element is essential for protein synthesis?

Answer 34

Zinc

Question 35

What conditions are associated with zinc deficiency?

Answer 35

Acrodermatitis enteropathica Growth retardation Immunodeficiency Infertility Delayed wound healing Osteoporosis

Question 36

What condition results from excessive zinc intake?

Answer 36

Gastrointestinal irritation