Trace elements and minerals

Question 1

Iron

Answer 1

Function: component of haemoglobin and myoglobin
Deficiency: Hypochromic microcytic anaemia

Question 2

Zinc

Answer 2

Function: catalyst for enzymes
Deficiency: poor wound healing, dermatitis, reduced immunity, reduced taste, reduced growth in kids

Question 3

Copper

Answer 3

Function: Enzyme cofactor
Deficiency: anaemia, leukopaenia, bone demineralisation, hypercholesterolaemia

Question 4

Cobalt and Molybdenum

Answer 4

Function: cobalt essential for B12 function; molybdenum needed in xanthine oxidase
Deficiency: no recognised syndrome

Question 5

Selenium

Answer 5

Function: in selenoproteins
Deficiency: reduced thyroid hormone activity, reduced sperm motility

Question 6

Iodine

Answer 6

Function: in thyroid hormones
Deficiency: hypothyroidism, thyroid enlargement

Question 7

Sodium

Answer 7

• most concentrated extracellular ion- 50% in bone, 53% in plasma
  Deficiency: tiredness, confusion, muscle cramps

Question 8

Potassium

Answer 8

• mostly intracellular

Deficiency: cardiac arrhythmias, reduced neuronal and muscular excitability

Question 9

Phosphorus

Answer 9

• mostly intracellular, essential for skeletal strength

Deficiency: reduced immunity, long-term-> osteomalacia

Question 10

Magnesium

Answer 10

• mostly intracellular, essential in enzyme function

Deficiency: potentiates hypokalaemia, weakness, tremors, cardiac arrhythmias

Question 11

Calcium

Answer 11

• most abundant mineral in body, esp. in skeleton

Deficiency: Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults=> soft, weakened and painful bone and muscle attachments