Trace and Toxic Elements

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to trace and toxic elements, vitamins, and their clinical significance as discussed in the lecture.

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E, and K; these are absorbed with lipids and stored in the liver.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins B-complex and C; these are absorbed in the intestines and not stored in the body and can be excreted in the urine.

Vitamin D2

Ergocalciferol, a form of Vitamin D obtained from dietary sources.

Active form of Vitamin D3

1,25(OH)2D3, the biologically active form of Vitamin D.

Cholecalciferol

Chemical name for Vitamin D3

The 6 Essential Trace Elements (in alphabetical order)

1. Copper 2. Chromium 3. Iron 4. Manganese 5. Selenium 6. Zinc

The 3 Non-Essential Trace Elements

1. Arsenic 2. Lead 3. Cadmium

Vitamin A is good for

Improving vision at night or dim light settings

Vitamin A is

made of Retinol and retinoic acid that are derived from Carotenoids from colorful veggies

Another name for Vitamin E

Tocopherol

Vitamin E is good for

protecting RBC membranes from Oxidative damage

Vitamin D is good for

Intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate and stimulates the bone to mobilize Calcium and Phosphate; This is good for bone health

2 Disorders that Vitamin D is used to diagnose for

1. Rickets 2. Osteoporosis

Vitamin K is good for

Coagulation

How many Vitamin Bs are in the Vitamin B complex?

12 Vitamin B’s

Another name for Vitamin B9

Folate

Another name for Vitamin B9

Salicyclic Acid or Folate

Another name for Vitamin B12

Cobalamin or Cyanocobalamin

Another name for Vitamin C

Abscorbic Acid

Clinical Manifestations of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Rickets, leading to bone deformities and growth issues.

Clinical Manifestations of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults

Osteomalacia, resulting in weakened bones and pain.

Vitamin K Sources

Synthesized by gut bacteria and found in leafy vegetables.

Symptoms of Vitamin K Deficiency

Easy bruising, bleeding, and clotting issues.

Clinical Manifestation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of large, abnormal red blood cells.

Pernicious Anemia

A type of megaloblastic anemia caused by autoimmunity against intrinsic factor.

Folate Sources

Green leafy vegetables, beans, fruits, organ meats, and whole grains.

Clinical Manifestations of Folate Deficiency

Megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects in developing fetuses.

Vitamin C is good for

increasing absorption of minerals

Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency

Scurvy, which includes bleeding gums and tooth loss

How is Iron absorbed? (4 steps)

1. We get Iron from our diet, which is in Ferric State 2. It’s reduced to ferrous for absorption 3. It gets converted back to ferric state within intestinal cells 4. It’s bound to Transferrin for transport or it’s stored as Ferritin

Serum Iron Measurement

Indicates the amount of iron bound to transferrin in circulation.

Ferritin

An iron storage molecule whose serum levels reflect body iron stores.

Transferrin

A protein that transports free iron in the plasma.

Iron Overdose Symptoms

Severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, particularly in children.

Hemosiderosis

Increased iron without tissue injury, can be localized to bleeding sites.

Hemochromatosis

Iron overload with deposits in tissues, leading to various health issues.

Cadmium Health Effects

Renal dysfunction, respiratory distress, and symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

Chromium Health Effects

Essential for carbohydrate metabolism, deficiency can cause glucose intolerance.

Copper Deficiency Symptoms

Neutropenia, hypochromic anemia, and osteoporosis.

Mercury Exposure Symptoms

Headache, tremors, impaired coordination, and gastrointestinal distress.

Zinc Functions

Involved in over 300 enzymes, protein synthesis, and immune function.

Lead Toxicity Symptoms

Peripheral neuropathies, IQ decline in children, and cognitive issues.