Chapter 15: Trace Minerals Flashcards by Allie Bartoletti

Trace mineral definition

Minerals required in amounts that are <100 mg/d

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Functions of iron in the body

Oxygen transport
Energy metabolism
Cell division
Immune system
Nervous system

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Role of iron in oxygen transport

Hemoglobin: iron containing protein in red blood cells
Myoglobin: iron containing protein in muscles
RBCs

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Role of iron in energy metabolism

Part of enzymes cytochromes needed for energy metabolsim

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Role of iron in cell division

Required by an enzyme needed for DNA production

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Role of iron in the immune system

Production of WBC and enables some WBC’s to destroy bacteria

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Role of iron in the nervous system

Maintain the myelin sheath that covers parts of certain nerve cells
Synthesis of neurotransmitters that regulate brain and muscular activity

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What is hemme iron

Form of iron found in meat
Bound to hemme protein

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What is nonhemme iron

Not bound to hemme protein
Found in plants and meat
- Grains (enriched)
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Legumes

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What is the transport protein for iron

Transferrin (NOT HEMOGLOBIN)

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What is the storage form of iron

Ferritin
Stored in the liver, spleen and bone marrow

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Iron absorption from foods

You intake much more nonhemme iron, but more of the hemme iron is absorbed

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Bioavailability of non-hemme iron

Limited absorption
Factors that enhance absorption: Meat/fish/poultry factor and vitamin C
Factors that inhibit absorption: phylates and tannins

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Bioavailability of hemme iron

Readily absorbed by the body

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Factors that enhance iron absorption

Vitamin C
Hemme iron
Leavening of bread
Fermentation
Soaking beans or grains
Iron from cast iron cookware

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Factors that inhibit iron absorption

High intake of calcium with iron-containing food
Medications that reduce stomach acidity
Oxalic acid from foods such as spinach
Phytic acid from foods such as whole grains
Soy protein from foods such as tofu
Polyphenols from foods and beverages such as tea

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What is anemia

Most common health problem in the US and in the world
Condition where the number of healthy red blood cells are reduced and altered and they are unable to carry adequate amounts of oxygen

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Causes of anemia and populations at risk

Causes: blood loss, chronic low intake of iron or low intake during critical periods (adolescence, pregnancy)
At risk: females, vegans

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What is microcytic anemia

The 3rd stage of low iron progression
It is iron deficiency anemia
- Characterized by a lack of RBCs or the production of RBCs that do not contain enough hemoglobin

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What Myrocytic anemia alter and what are the signs and symptoms

Alters:
- Normal growth
- Behavior
- Immune system function
- Energy metabolism
Signs and Symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness / headache
- Coldness in the hands and feet
- Pale skin

What is hereditary hemochromatosis (HH)

an inherited genetic defect that causes people to absorb too much iron (iron toxicity)
Signs and symptoms:
Fatigue, lack of energy, abdominal pain

Function of zinc

Wound healing and immunity (main fxns)
Cofactor for >300 enzymes
Hemme synthesis
DNA and RNA synthesis
Growth and development, reproduction
Bone formation
Immune function
Antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase)
Taste acuity

Good food sources of zinc

Meat (pork/beef/lamb)
Seafood
Enriched, fortified cereals
Dairy (yogurt)
Legumes

Factors that increase zinc absorption

Low to moderate zinc intake
Zinc deficiency
Certain amino acids
Increased need for zinc

Factors that decrease zinc absorption

Phytic acid and fiber in whole grains Excessive Zinc intake High nonhemme iron intake Good zinc status

What happens with zinc deficiency

Delays growth Delays sex organ maturation Impairs vitamin A function Impairs immune function

What is the UL for zinc

40 mg/d

How does zinc toxicity occur and what are the symptoms

Occurs with supplementation Symptoms: Diarrhea Cramps Nausea & Vomiting Depressed immune system Interference with copper absorption and metabolism

Iodine function

Component of thyroid hormones - thyroxine and triiodothyronine

What is thyroxine ( T4)

Thyroid hormone Majority Inactive form Iodine component

What is triiodothyronine (t3)

The active form of the thyroid hormone with an iodine component

Functions of thyroid hormones

Regulates basal energy expenditure and macronutrient metabolism Regulates brain and nervous system development (*think energy metabolism)(impacts almost every physiological process in the body)

Good sources of iodine

Iodized salt, Seaweed

Iodine deficiency disorders

Endemic goiter Endemic cretinism Hypothyroidism (low basal metabolic rate)

Function of fluoride

Development of teeth and bone - forms hydroxyfluorapatite crystals that resist bacteria and acids in the mouth that erode enamel

Good food sources of fluoride

*Fluoridated drinking water Seafood Tea Seaweed

Fluoride deficiency symptoms

Susceptibility to dental caries - widespread health problems - leads to nutritional problems due to issues with chewing

Fluoride toxicity

Fluorosis

Function of selenium

Antioxidant function - prevents free radicals Assists with the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 to T3

What minerals have antioxidant functions

Zinc and selenium

Good food sources of selenium

*Meat, chicken, fish/seafood* Wheat germ Eggs Nuts (Brazil) and seeds (sunflower) Grains grown in selenium-rich soils or fortified with selenium

Selenium deficiency

Changes in thyroid hormone metabolism Possible increased cancer risk (because its an antioxidant) Keshan disease

Selenium toxicity

Selenosis - impaired sulfur and protein metabolism - symptoms: nausea, diarrhea, hair loss, fatigue, changes in nails

What is the most common form of cancer

Lung cancer

Definition of cancer

A term for a group of chronic diseases characterized by cells that have undergone mutations

What are malignant cells

Divide repeatedly and frequently Do not die Do not perform their specialized function

Risk factors that can cause cells to become cancerous

Aging Genes/family history Tobacco use Radiation exposure Exposure to certain environmental substances Certain viral or bacterial infections Elevated levels of certain hormones Consuming alcohol or certain foods Physical inactivity and excess body fat

Role of diet in cancer development

Certain substances in food and beverages promote cancer development - Alcohol - Certain molds that can grow on nuts or grains - Processed or red meats - Fried, grilled or broiled meats Excessive energy intake (because eating too much can lead to oxidative stress)

Diet and Health guidelines for cancer prevention

1. Choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods, eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains 2. Do not rely on supplements to decrease cancer risk 3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active 4. Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all 5. Select foods low in salt 6. Limit intake of red meats 7. Avoid sugary drinks and processed meat 8. Females who have children: exclusively breastfeed for 6 months