Iron Nutritional Overview

Questions and Answers

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

Production of insulin

Regulating blood pressure

Protein metabolism

Synthesis of thyroid hormones (correct)

Which of the following conditions is NOT associated with iodine deficiency?

Cretinism

Hearing loss

Goiter

Scurvy (correct)

During which life stage does the need for iodine increase by 50%?

Infancy

Pregnancy (correct)

Old age

Adolescence

What is a potential effect of excessive iodine intake?

Decreased thyroid function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common dietary source of iodine?

Iodized salt Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of iron in hemoglobin and myoglobin?

To help accept, carry, and release oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes nonheme iron?

It is the main form of iron in the diet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forms of iron is reduced?

Fe+2 Signup and view all the answers

What are enzymes that require iron involved in?

Making amino acids, collagen, hormones, and neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

What is heme iron primarily sourced from?

Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with iron deficiency?

High energy levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron in women aged 19-50 years?

18 mg/day Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia is true?

Iron deficiency can occur without anemia. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common craving associated with iron deficiency?

Ice Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron decrease for women?

50 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for zinc?

40 mg Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT associated with excessive zinc intake?

Dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc for women?

8 mg Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms may occur from high doses of zinc?

Headaches Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for zinc for men?

11 mg Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles does copper serve in the body?

It acts as a cofactor in enzymes that utilize oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by a genetic disorder affecting copper absorption?

Menkes disease Signup and view all the answers

Which food sources are rich in copper?

Seafood and nuts Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of copper accumulation in Wilson's disease?

It results in toxicity affecting the liver and brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about copper deficiency is true?

Copper deficiency is rare but can cause anemia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance of iodine for both men and women?

150 mcg Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role of zinc in the body?

Hormone regulation Signup and view all the answers

What consequence is associated with zinc deficiency?

Growth failure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major dietary source of zinc?

Nuts Signup and view all the answers

What is the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for iodine?

1100 mcg Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes red blood cells in iron deficiency anemia?

Pale and small Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What happens to energy metabolism in cells when there is inadequate iron?

It pauses Signup and view all the answers

What effect does iron deficiency have on oxygen transport in the body?

Oxygen transport decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which of these conditions is NOT a symptom of iron deficiency anemia?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

What role does selenium primarily play in the body?

Acting as a part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is associated with selenium deficiency?

Keshan disease, characterized by fibrous cardiac tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of fluoride in the body?

Component of bones and teeth Signup and view all the answers

Which food sources are rich in selenium?

Seafood, meat, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common source of fluoride?

Fluoridated water Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of selenium excess?

Loss and brittleness of hair and nails Signup and view all the answers

What deficiency symptom is associated with a lack of fluoride?

Nerve abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme contains selenium and is involved in thyroid hormone metabolism?

Thyroid peroxidase Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum tolerable level (UL) of fluoride for adults?

10 mg Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by discoloration and decay of tooth enamel due to excess fluoride?

Fluorosis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Iron

Essential nutrient, crucial for cellular activities.
Exists in two ionic states: Ferrous (Fe2+) and Ferric (Fe3+) iron.

Roles of Iron in the Body

Acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in making amino acids, collagen, hormones, and neurotransmitters.
Predominantly found in hemoglobin and myoglobin, facilitating oxygen transport in red blood cells and muscle cells.
Involved in energy formation reactions.

Sources of Iron

Heme iron: Found in animal products like meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.
Nonheme iron: Present in plant-based foods such as grains, vegetables, legumes, and nuts; accounts for the majority of dietary iron.

Iron Deficiency

Results in iron-deficiency anemia characterized by weakness, fatigue, hair loss, pale complexion, reduced attention span, and resistance to infection.
Severe deficiency in children can lead to mental retardation and growth delays.
Ice craving can occur as a symptom.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Iron

Men: 8 mg/day
Women: 18 mg/day (ages 19-50); 8 mg/day (51+)
Upper limit for adults: 45 mg/day.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Most common nutrient deficiency globally.
Defined as low body iron stores impacting hemoglobin levels, leading to pale and small red blood cells (hypochromic and microcytic).
Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, headaches, pallor, and poor temperature regulation.

Iodine

Iodine deficiency remains a significant health concern, particularly in developing nations.
Iodine content in plants is determined by soil iodine levels; requirement increases by 50% during pregnancy.

Roles of Iodine in the Body

Essential for synthesis of thyroid hormones, regulating energy production and growth.
Vital for normal brain development.

Sources of Iodine

Found in iodized salt, milk and dairy products, seaweed, and seafood.

Iodine Deficiency

Can result in goiter and cretinism, which includes mental retardation, hearing loss, and growth failure.

Iodine Excess

Consuming over 1 mg/day can lead to itchiness, goiter, and decreased thyroid function.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Iodine

Women: 150 mcg
Men: 150 mcg
Upper limit: 1100 mcg.

Zinc

Zinc must be consumed regularly; not stored in tissues for maintaining serum levels.

Roles of Zinc in the Body

Integral for DNA and RNA structure.
Part of more than 100 enzymes, contributing to growth, metabolism, reproduction, and senses of taste and smell.
Supports immune function and aids wound healing.

Sources of Zinc

Meats, grains, nuts, dried beans, and ready-to-eat cereals.

Zinc Deficiency

May lead to growth failure.

Zinc Excess

High doses (over 50 mg) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue.

Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Zinc

Women: 8 mg
Men: 11 mg
Upper limit: 40 mg.

Copper

Serves as a component of multiple enzymes that require oxygen for various reactions.
Catalyzes oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron and aids in connective tissue synthesis.

Sources of Copper

Seafood, nuts, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.

Copper Deficiency

Rare but can cause anemia and is related to Menkes disease, affecting copper absorption.

Copper Excess

Wilson's disease results in copper accumulation, leading to severe toxicity.

Fluoride

Present in almost all soils, water supplies, and plants.

Roles of Fluoride in the Body

A key component of bones and teeth (enamel).

Sources of Fluoride

Drinking water (especially fluoridated), foods, beverages, and white grape juice.

Fluoride Deficiency

May cause brittle bones, mottled teeth, and nerve issues.

Fluoride Excess

Can lead to fluorosis, which causes tooth enamel discoloration and decay.

Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for Fluoride

Women: 3 mg
Men: 4 mg
Upper limit: 10 mg.

Selenium

Shares chemical characteristics with sulfur, allowing for substitution in amino acids like methionine and cysteine.

Roles of Selenium in the Body

Functions as an antioxidant, primarily as part of glutathione peroxidase enzyme.
Important for converting thyroid hormone into its active form.

Sources of Selenium

Found in seafood, meat, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, depending on soil content.

Selenium Deficiency

Linked to Keshan disease, a heart condition characterized by fibrous cardiac tissue, prevalent in China.

Selenium Excess

Can cause hair and nail brittleness, skin rashes, fatigue, nervous system issues, and garlic breath odor.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential role of iron in the body, including its functions, sources, and the consequences of deficiency. Learn about the difference between heme and nonheme iron, as well as dietary recommendations for optimal health.