Trace Minerals

Question 1

Iron

Answer 1

Mineral and Chief Function:
Deficiency Symptoms: Anemia, weakness, fatigue, headaches, impaired work performance, impaired immunity, pale skin (nail beds, mucous membranes, and palm creases), concave nails, inability to regulate body tempt, pica
Toxicity Symptoms: GI distress. iron overload; infections, fatigue, joint pain, skin pigmentation, organ damage
Significant Sources: Red meats, fish, poultry, shellfish, eggs, legumes, dried fruits

Question 2

Zinc

Answer 2

Mineral and Chief Function: Part of insulin and many enzymes involved in gene regulation, immune reactions, taste perception ,wound healing, making of sperm, and normal fetal development
Deficiency Symptoms Growth retardation, delayed sexual maturation, impaired immune function, hair loss, eye and skin lesions, loss of appetite, ACRODERMITIS ENTEROPATHICA
Toxicity Symptoms: Loss of appetite, impaired immunity, copper and iron deficiencies
Significant Sources: Protein-containing foods, red meats, shellfish, poultry, whole grains; fortified cereals.

Question 3

Copper

Answer 3

Mineral and Chief Function: Helps form Hb, parts of several enzymes
Deficiency Symptoms Anemia, bone abnormalities, MENKES SYNDROME
Toxicity Symptoms: Liver damage, WILSON DISEASE
Significant Sources: Sea food, nuts, legumes, whole grains, seeds

Question 4

Iodine

Answer 4

Mineral and Chief Function: Thyroid hormone
Deficiency Symptoms: Underactive thyroid gland, goiter, mental and health retardation, cretinism,
Toxicity Symptoms: Underactive thyroid gland, elevated TSH, goiter
Significant Sources: Iodized salt, seafood, plants grown in iodine-rich soil and animals fed those plants.

Question 5

Selenium

Answer 5

Mineral and Chief Function: Part of an enzyme that defends against against oxidation; regulated thyroid hormone
Deficiency Symptoms: Associated with KESHAN DISEASE
Toxicity Symptoms Nail and hair brittleness and loss, fatigue, irritability and nervous system disorders, skin rash, garlic breath odor.
Significant Sources: Seafood, organ meats, meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables depending on soil content

Question 6

Fluoride

Answer 6

Mineral and Chief Function Maintains health of bones and teeth, confers decay resistance to teeth
Deficiency Symptoms: Susceptibility to tooth decay
Toxicity Symptoms: Fluorosis
Significant Sources: Drinking water if fluoridated, tea, seafood