Exam Preparation Notes for Nutrition Course on Minerals

Final Exam Information

• Date: Saturday, April 26th
• Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Locations:
  • In-person Section 02: Education Gym
  • Last name G-Z: Physical Activity Centre Gym
  • Last name A-G: Physical Activity Centre Gym
  • Online Section: Here at campus

Review Session

• Date: Friday, April 25th, 12:30 PM - 1:20 PM
• Location: Health 1B11

Course Modules to Review

• Module 10: Minerals and Phytochemicals
• Final Exam Resources: FAQs, complete instructions
  • Content for Exam: Modules 1-6, 8-10
  • Format and expectation: Similar to midterms, straightforward questions

Academic Integrity Reminder

• Importance of maintaining integrity; avoid prohibited items (like cell phones) during exams. Violations result in severe penalties, including failing grades and marks on transcripts.

Key Areas in Minerals to Note

• Definition: Inorganic compounds, different from vitamins which are organic.
• Absorption and Status Assessment Challenges: Minerals are often sequestered in the body, making status assessment complex.

Types of Minerals

• Major Minerals (needed in > 100 mg/day): Calcium, potassium, sodium, etc.
• Trace Minerals (needed in < 100 mg/day): Iron, zinc, copper, etc.
• Functions: Minerals play diverse roles including enzyme cofactors, structural roles in bones, and muscle contraction.

Specific Minerals of Interest

• Selenium: Important for antioxidant enzymes; high RDA at 55 mcg/day with a UL of 400 mcg/day. Sources include seafood, grains.
• Zinc: RDA of 8 mg (women) to 11 mg (men), UL at 40 mg. Helps in immune function; excess can lead to toxicity, impacting copper absorption and overall immunity.
• Iodine: Deficiency can lead to goiter; can result from high salt consumption trends that avoid iodized salt. In Canada, iodine deficiency is less common due to iodized salt.

Zinc Toxicity

• Excessive zinc can depress immunity and cause a decrease in HDL cholesterol.
• Be cautious with supplements to avoid exceeding UL.

Iron in the Body

• Iron essential for hemoglobin and is crucial across various demographics (infants, pregnant women, athletes, etc.).
• Forms: Can't have free iron in the blood (except can be bound); iron stored in liver, bound to ferritin.
• Waste excretion regulated; excess iron might reflect underlying health issues.

Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency

• Inadequate intake, especially in women who have monthly losses. Infants, toddlers, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.
• Bioavailability of iron is crucial; influenced by dietary sources (heme vs. non-heme iron), absorption inhibitors (phytates, oxalates), and enhancers (vitamin C).

Tips for Ensuring Sufficient Iron Intake

• Consider separate consumption of high-calcium and high-iron foods to maximize absorption.
• Emphasize variety and balanced diet to meet nutritional needs.

Conclusion

• Ongoing education and awareness of mineral roles and deficiencies are critical for both personal nutrition and public health.