Chapter 13: The Trace Minerals Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Trace Minerals, Iron metabolism, deficiencies, toxicity, and various phytochemicals based on Chapter 13.

Trace Minerals

Essential mineral nutrients required in the adult body in amounts less than $100\,mg$ per day.

Toxicity of Trace Minerals

Occurs at intakes only $2.5$ to $11$ times the current recommendations.

Nickel

A nonessential trace mineral that may serve as a cofactor for enzymes.

Bromine

A nonessential trace mineral involved in collagen formation.

Vanadium

A nonessential trace mineral needed for growth, bone development, and reproduction.

Cobalt

A nonessential trace mineral that is a key component of the large vitamin $B_{12}$ molecule.

Boron

A nonessential trace mineral that may play key roles in bone, brain, and immune health.

Iron

An essential trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for enzymes in oxidation-reduction reactions.

Hemoglobin

The oxygen-holding protein of the red blood cells that contains most of the body’s iron.

Myoglobin

The oxygen-holding protein of the muscle cells.

Ferritin

The iron-storage protein that captures iron from food and stores it in the cells of the small intestine.

Transferrin

The iron-transport protein that carries iron throughout the body.

Heme Iron

The form of iron found only in animal foods (meat, fish, and poultry); about $25\%$ is absorbed.

Nonheme Iron

The form of iron found in both plant and animal foods; about $17\%$ is absorbed.

MFP Factor

A peptide released during the digestion of meat, fish, and poultry that enhances nonheme iron absorption.

Phytates

Factors found in legumes, nuts, and seeds that inhibit nonheme iron absorption.

Iron Deficiency

The state of having depleted iron stores; it is the most common nutrient deficiency.

Iron-deficiency Anemia

A severe depletion of iron stores that results in low hemoglobin concentration.

Stage 1 Iron Deficiency

A stage where iron stores diminish; serum ferritin is the best indicator at this point.

Stage 2 Iron Deficiency

A stage characterized by an increase in the iron-carrying protein transferrin.

Stage 3 Iron Deficiency

A stage where hemoglobin production is limited and hemoglobin/hematocrit values decline.

Hypochromic

A term describing pale red blood cells caused by low hemoglobin.

Microcytic

A term describing small-sized red blood cells resulting from iron deficiency.

Hemochromatosis

A genetic condition characterized by iron overload and toxicity.

Phlebotomy

A treatment for iron overload involving the withdrawal of blood from the body.

Chelation Therapy

A treatment for iron toxicity that uses a chelate to surround and help the body excrete the excess iron.

Iron RDA for Adult Males

The recommended intake is $8\,mg/day$.

Iron RDA for Adult Females (19-50 yr)

The recommended intake is $18\,mg/day$.

Iron RDA for Adult Females (51+ yr)

The recommended intake is $8\,mg/day$.

Iron UL for Adults

The Upper Level of intake is set at $45\,mg/day$.

Vegetarian Iron Requirement

Vegetarians need $1.8$ times the standard RDA due to low bioavailability of iron in their diet.

Zinc

A trace mineral that supports the work of metalloenzymes and transcription factors.

Metalloenzymes

Enzymes that contain one or more minerals as part of their structures.

Zinc Deficiency

Associated with stunted growth and impaired immune function.

Copper

A trace mineral involved in oxygen-consuming reactions and hemoglobin synthesis through iron metabolism.

Menkes Disease

A genetic disease that results in a copper deficiency.

Wilson’s Disease

A genetic disease that results in copper toxicity.

Manganese

A trace mineral cofactor for enzymes involved in carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism.

Manganese Toxicity

Associated with miners who inhaled dust; causes brain disease with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Iodine

An essential component of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rate and body temperature.

Goiter

An enlargement of the thyroid gland due to iodine deficiency or goitrogens.

Goitrogens

Compounds found in vegetables like cabbage and kale that can cause goiter.

Cretinism

Irreversible mental impairment and stunted growth caused by severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy.

Selenium

An antioxidant nutrient that regulates thyroid hormone.

Keshan Disease

A heart disease associated with selenium deficiency.

Fluoride

A trace mineral that strengthens teeth and makes them resistant to decay.

Fluorosis

Pitting and discoloration of tooth enamel caused by excessive fluoride intake.

Chromium

A trace mineral that helps maintain glucose homeostasis by enhancing insulin’s activity.

Chromium Deficiency

Can lead to a diabetes-like condition with elevated blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerance.

Molybdenum

A trace mineral that serves as a cofactor for several enzymes; found in legumes and nuts.

Contaminant Minerals

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that enter the food supply through pollution.

Lead Toxicity

Displaces essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc, increasing the risk of iron deficiency in children.

Heavy Metals

Mineral ions such as mercury and lead that have relatively high atomic weights and are poisonous.

Flint, Michigan Crisis

A mid-2010s public health crisis involving toxic levels of lead in a community's drinking water.

Functional Foods

Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Phytochemicals

Non-nutrient compounds found in plants that exhibit biological activity in the body.

Isoflavones

Phytochemicals found in soybeans that may protect against or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Lycopene

A phytochemical in tomatoes and red fruits that may protect against cancer.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

Phytochemicals found in vegetables that protect the eyes against macular degeneration.

Anthocyanins

Phytochemicals associated with red fruits and vegetables like beets, cherries, and radishes.