Essential and Trace Ions: Iron

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of iron in hemoglobin?

Oxygen transport (correct)

Acid-base balance

Carbon dioxide storage

Energy production

Which iron transport protein is found in blood plasma?

Hemosiderin

Myoglobin

Transferrin (correct)

Ferritin

How does the body respond to iron depletion during the production of RBCs?

Increases transferrin production (correct)

Increases iron storage in the liver

Reduces hemoglobin synthesis

Decreases iron absorption in the intestine

What form of iron is primarily stored in ferritin?

Fe+3 (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does ascorbic acid play in iron absorption?

It converts Fe+3 to Fe+2 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hemosiderin is correct?

It is a dehydrated form of ferritin. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What condition results from iron deficiency?

Anaemia (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which protein is responsible for the detoxification of excess iron?

Ferritin (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual dose of ferrous sulfate for treating iron deficiency anemia?

300 mg (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following iron salts is considered the drug of choice for treating uncomplicated iron deficiency anemia?

Ferrous sulfate (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which iron preparation is known to oxidize readily in moist air?

Ferrous sulfate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the bioavailability status of ferrous gluconate?

Good bioavailability (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential cause of anaemia related to decreased blood formation?

Infections and renal insufficiency (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which method has shown poor results for treating iron overload?

Peritoneal dialysis (B) Signup and view all the answers

What two requirements must an iron compound meet for replacement therapy?

Biologically available and not irritant (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding oral iron administration?

Iron can interfere with the absorption of tetracycline (C) Signup and view all the answers

What form does ferrous fumarate typically take?

Reddish orange to red-brown powder (D) Signup and view all the answers

At what lethal dose of iron is it considered potentially fatal for humans?

150 to 200 mg iron / kg body weight (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why might iron salts aggravate gastrointestinal diseases?

Due to their astringent action (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the first stage of iron poisoning?

Gastrointestinal distress and potential death (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would indicate the use of parenteral iron preparations?

Defect in iron absorption (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one common treatment for iron poisoning?

Gastric lavage (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant health risk is associated with oral iron overdosage, especially in children?

Death due to iron toxicity (C) Signup and view all the answers

In stage three of iron poisoning, which complication may occur?

Recurrent cardiovascular collapse (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Imferon?

For confirmed cases of severe iron deficiency anemia (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided during the administration of Iron Sorbitex?

Oral iron supplements (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual intramuscular dose of Imferon for treating iron deficiency?

100mg once a day (C) Signup and view all the answers

What form does copper take in blood cells?

Erythrocuprein (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles attributed to copper in the body?

Facilitating iron absorption (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a noticeable change in urine that can occur with Iron Sorbitex usage?

It becomes dark on standing (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is copper absorbed in the body?

In the stomach and upper small intestine (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH range of Iron Sorbitex when it is prepared for use?

7.2 to 7.9 (B) Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effects can result from the oral administration of large doses of selenium salts?

Intestinal irritation and blood vessel interference (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may benefit therapeutically from selenium supplementation?

Kwashiorkor (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary biochemical role of iodine in the body?

Synthesis of thyroid hormones (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pharmacological use of iodine?

Expectorant (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the thyroid gland when there is insufficient iodine in the diet?

Enlargement of the gland (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT govern the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland?

Level of calcium in the bloodstream (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a therapeutic use of sulfur?

Stimulant for alopecia (C) Signup and view all the answers

What role does selenium play in the body in relation to vitamin E?

Acts as an antioxidant (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Essential and Trace Ions

Iron is crucial for cellular metabolic processes, particularly electron transport in the respiratory chain and oxygen transport in higher organisms.
Iron's ability to exist in various oxidation states enables it to form coordination compounds essential for its functions.
Iron is found in various forms:
- Hemoglobin in blood for oxygen transport.
- Transferrin in plasma for iron transport.
- Myoglobin in tissues for cellular respiration.
- Ferritin and Hemosiderin in tissues for iron storage.
Hemoglobin consists of four protein chains, each containing a heme unit with a porphyrin ring and ferrous iron.
Ferritin is a water-soluble iron storage protein made up of apoferritin and a colloidal ferric hydroxide-phosphate complex.
Hemosiderin is a water-insoluble iron storage protein, potentially a dehydrated form of ferritin.
Transferrin is a glycoprotein in blood plasma responsible for transporting iron.
Iron transport into the intestinal mucosa is facilitated by molecules like ascorbic acid and fructose, which keep iron soluble.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, characterized by low red blood cell count or reduced haemoglobin content, resulting in impaired oxygen carrying capacity.
Anemia can be caused by various factors like blood loss, blood destruction, or decreased blood formation.
Iron supplements must be biologically available (water-soluble) and non-irritating.
Sustained-release iron formulations minimize irritation.
Parenteral iron preparations are used when oral iron is ineffective or contraindicated, such as in malabsorption or gastrointestinal irritation.
Iron poisoning is serious and can be fatal, especially in children.
Iron poisoning is treated with gastric lavage, administration of salts to form insoluble iron salts, oral deferoxamine, and chelation therapy with deferoxamine mesylate.
Oral iron can interfere with tetracycline absorption.
Ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate are common oral iron preparations.
Iron dextran injection (Imferon) and iron sorbitex injection (Jectofer) are parenteral iron preparations used when oral therapy is ineffective or contraindicated.

Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes within the body. It is a key component in the formation of red blood cells, contributing to iron metabolism by aiding in the effective utilization of iron. Copper is also involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, both of which are important for maintaining the health of connective tissues, skin, and blood vessels.

Additionally, copper acts as a cofactor for several important enzymes, including cytochrome c oxidase, which is involved in the electron transport chain, facilitating cellular energy production. Other enzymes that require copper for their activity include superoxide dismutase, which plays a critical role in the body's defense against oxidative stress.

Dietary sources of copper include shellfish, whole grains, beans, nuts, potatoes, and dark leafy greens. The recommended daily intake of copper for adults is about 900 micrograms. While copper deficiency is relatively rare, it can lead to anemia, bone abnormalities, and cardiovascular issues. On the other hand, excessive copper intake, particularly from supplements, can cause toxicity, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, liver damage.

Because of its essential functions, adequate dietary intake of copper is important for maintaining overall health and supporting numerous biochemical processes in the body.

Copper is essential for various enzymes, haemoglobin synthesis, and bone formation.
Copper is distributed throughout the body, primarily in enzymes and proteins.
Copper absorption occurs in the stomach and upper small intestine.
Copper is transported in the blood as a copper albumin complex and then stored in the liver bound to ceruloplasmin.
Copper plays roles in various metabolic processes:
- Haemoglobin formation by facilitating iron absorption and stimulating enzymes involved in haeme and globin biosynthesis.
- Oxidative phosphorylation by being a constituent of cytochrome oxidase.
Copper deficiency can lead to anemia and other health problems.

Selenium

Selenium is needed for cellular respiration and acts as an antioxidant in conjunction with vitamin E.
Selenium sulfide is used for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff).

Sulfur

Sulfur is widely distributed in the body, primarily in:
- Sulfhydryl groups of cysteine in proteins.
- Disulfide linkages in protein from cystine.
- Mucopolysaccharides and sulfolipids as sulfate salts and esters.
Sulfur is obtained from dietary sources.
Sulfur has been used therapeutically as a cathartic, parasiticide, and stimulant.

Iodine (Iodide)

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Iodine is absorbed as iodide.
Iodine is used in thyroid hormone formation and has pharmacological actions as a fibrinolytic agent, expectorant, and bactericidal agent.
Iodine deficiency leads to thyroid enlargement.
Iodine uptake is influenced by thyroid tissue characteristics, blood iodide levels, and the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

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Description

This quiz covers the vital role of iron in cellular metabolism, focusing on its forms, functions, and significance in oxygen transport. Explore the concepts of hemoglobin, transferrin, ferritin, and hemosiderin, as well as the importance of iron's oxidation states. Test your understanding of these essential elements in biological systems.