Chapter Seven - Part Two The Trace Minerals & Water Food & Nutritional Health NUT SCI –242 Karen Lacey, MS, RD, CD © Spring 2005

The Trace Minerals Trace mineral: an essential mineral nutrient found in the human body in amounts less than 5 grams

A. Iron Functions: – Hemoglobin formation The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen – Part of myoglobin – Carries oxygen in the body – Energy utilization

Deficiency Symptoms Anemia: a reduction of the number & size of RBC’s and a loss of their color – Characterized by weakness, paleness, headaches, reduced immunity, inability to concentrate, cold intolerance Blood loss

Toxicity Symptoms Iron overload – Infections – Liver injury – Acidosis – Shock

Food Sources Red meat Poultry Fish & shellfish Eggs Legumes Dried fruits Fortified cereals

B. Zinc Functions: – Needed for protein & enzyme function – Immunity & wound healing – Vitamin A transport – Taste – Fetal development

Deficiency Symptoms Growth failure in children Loss of taste Poor wound healing Poor appetite

Toxicity Symptoms Fever Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Kidney failure

Food Sources Protein-containing foods: – Meat – Fish & shellfish – Poultry – Grains – Vegetables

C. Iodine Amount of iodine in food is reflected in the soil Functions: – Part of thyroxine, which regulates metabolism

Deficiency symptoms Goiter: decreased blood iodine causes thyroid cells to enlarge Cretinism: severe mental & physical retardation of an infant caused by severe iodine deficiency in the mother during pregnancy Iodization of salt has all but eliminated goiter & cretinism In some parts of the world, these deficiency diseases still exist

Toxicity Symptoms: Depressed thyroid activity accompanied by an enlarged thyroid gland

D. Fluoride Functions: – Formation of bones & teeth – Helps make teeth resistant to decay – Helps make bones resistant to mineral loss

Deficiency & Toxicity Symptoms Deficiency Symptoms: – Tooth decay Toxicity Symptoms: (rare in humans) – Fluorosis: discoloration of teeth The first symptom of excess fluoride – Nausea – Vomiting – diarrhea

Food Sources Drinking water Tea Seafood

E. Copper Functions: – Helps make hemoglobin – Part of several enzymes Food Sources: – Meats – Drinking water

Deficiency & Toxicity Symptoms Deficiency Symptoms: (rare in humans) – Anemia – Bone changes Toxicity Symptoms: – Nausea – Vomiting – Diarrhea

F. Manganese Functions: – Along with enzymes, facilitates many cell processes Food Sources: – Widely distributed in foods

Deficiency & Toxicity Symptoms Deficiency Symptoms: – Poor growth – Nervous system disorders – Abnormal reproduction Toxicity Symptoms: – Poisoning – Nervous system disorders

G. Chromium Functions: – Works with insulin – Required for release of energy from glucose Food Sources: – Meat – Unrefined foods – Vegetable oils

Deficiency & Toxicity Symptoms Deficiency symptoms: – Abnormal glucose metabolism Toxicity symptoms: – Occupational exposures damage skin & kidneys

H. Selenium Functions: – Protects body from oxidation – Works with vitamin E Food Sources: – Seafood – Meats – Grains – Vegetables (depends on soil conditions)

Deficiency Symptoms Deficiency Symptoms: – Fragile red blood cells – Cataracts – Growth failure – Heart damage

Toxicity Symptoms Nausea Abdominal pain Nail & hair changes Liver & nerve damage

I. Molybdenum Functions: – Along with enzymes, facilitates many cell processed Food Sources: – Legumes – Cereals – Organ meats

Deficiency & Toxicity Symptoms Deficiency Symptoms – Unknown Toxicity Symptoms – Enzyme inhibition

Water The most essential nutrient Makes up about 60% of the body’s weight 85 – 95% of fruits and vegetables Functions: – Transports nutrients & waste – Moistens & hydrates eyes, mouth, nose, skin – Participates in energy formation

Cont’d Ensures adequate blood volume Main component of body’s fluids Medium for chemical reactions Helps maintain normal body temperature Acts as a joint lubricant Shock absorption inside the spinal cord & amniotic sac around the fetus