Chapter Seven - Part Two

The Trace Minerals & Water

Food & Nutritional Health NUT SCI –242Karen 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 meatPoultryFish & shellfishEggs LegumesDried fruitsFortified cereals

B. Zinc

Functions:– Needed for protein & enzyme

function– Immunity & wound healing– Vitamin A transport– Taste– Fetal development

Deficiency Symptoms

Growth failure in childrenLoss of tastePoor wound healingPoor appetite

Toxicity Symptoms

FeverNauseaVomitingDiarrheaKidney 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 waterTeaSeafood

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 processesFood 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

glucoseFood 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

NauseaAbdominal painNail & hair changesLiver & nerve damage

I. Molybdenum

Functions:– Along with enzymes, facilitates

many cell processedFood Sources:

– Legumes– Cereals– Organ meats

Deficiency & Toxicity Symptoms

Deficiency Symptoms– Unknown

Toxicity Symptoms– Enzyme inhibition

Water

The most essential nutrientMakes up about 60% of the body’s

weight85 – 95% of fruits and vegetablesFunctions:

– Transports nutrients & waste– Moistens & hydrates eyes, mouth, nose,

skin– Participates in energy formation

Cont’d

Ensures adequate blood volumeMain component of body’s fluidsMedium for chemical reactionsHelps maintain normal body

temperatureActs as a joint lubricantShock absorption inside the spinal

cord & amniotic sac around the fetus