Trace elements and Vitamins

Elements that have biochemical importance, it can act as cofactors in metalloenzymes / metalloproteins.

Deficiencies in these elements can impair biochemical functions, excess may cause toxicity

Trace elements

Specimens for Trace Elements

Urine

Whole Blood

Serum

Plasma

Hair

Nails

Most common instrumentation for Trace Element

Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Silver metal found in oxides, silicates, and fluorides. It is used in cans, cookware, planes, roofing, foil, and cosmetics

Aluminum

Aluminum can interfere with the _________________

it is linked to ____________ and ________________

Chronic exposure can lead to _____________ and _________________

• Can interfere with enzymatic processes.

• Linked to encephalopathy, osteomalacia,

• Chronic exposure leads to neurological and bone disorders.

Aluminum is measured via __________ or ____________

Monitored in ______ and _____ for toxicity

Reference Range:

• Measured via ICP-MS or GFAAS

• Monitored in urine and serum for toxicity.

Reference Range: 0–6 ng/mL

Trace element normally found in the earth’s crust, it is commonly used as wood preservatives, pesticides, pigments, semiconductors, and medicine.

It is FDA-approved for acute promyelocytic leukemia treatment

Arsenic

Exposure through _______________, ____________ and __________ sources

Organic arsenic or _____________ is nontoxic

Meanwhile, ___________ arsenic compounds have ___________ toxicity

• Exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and occupational

sources.

• Organic arsenic (seafood) is non-toxic and excreted

quickly (1–2 days).

• Methylated arsenic compounds have intermediate toxicity.

Arsenic’s chronic exposure causes Skin changes called _________________

Its treatment is through the use of ________________

Refence Range in blood:

Reference Range in Urine:

• Chronic exposure: Skin changes (Mees’ lines,

hyperpigmentation), neuropathy, cardiovascular disease,

and increased cancer risk

• Treatment: Chelating agents (British Anti-

Lewisite/BAL/Dimercaprol, penicillamine, succimer).

Reference Range: <13 ng/mL (blood), <35 μg/L (urine).

Element found in batteries, pigments, metal plating, and plastics. It has a risk of airborne exposure from fossil fuel burning and industrial processes. It is an occupational risk in automotive and painting industries and is associated with metal-on-metal hip implants wear.

Cadmium

Cadmium has higher absorption in women due to _______________

Absorbed via __________

____________ have double the cadmium body burden than normal people

Stored mainly in ________ and ___________

• Higher absorption in women due to iron differences

• Absorbed via inhalation (10–50%) and ingestion (5%)

• Smokers have double the cadmium body burden of non-

smokers

Chronic exposure to cadmium leads to _________________

_______ is used as a chelating agent for cadmium poisoning

Found in mostly _____________

Reference Range:

• Chronic exposure leads to kidney dysfunction, proteinuria,

and lung damage.

• EDTA is used as a chelating agent for cadmium poisoning.

• Found mostly in red blood cells (80%).

Reference Range: <5.0 ng/mL