Micronutrients and Their Functions
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Questions and Answers

What is the unit of measurement for micronutrients?

  • Grams
  • Liters
  • Milligrams (correct)
  • Kilograms
  • What is the term for vitamins that can be stored in the body?

  • Water-soluble
  • Electrolytes
  • Protein-bound
  • Fat-soluble (correct)
  • What happens if the body lacks vitamins?

  • Energy is produced
  • A specific deficiency syndrome occurs (correct)
  • Toxicity occurs
  • No symptoms occur
  • What is the main reason why vitamins cannot be synthesised by the body?

    <p>Complex biochemical pathways</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main categories of micronutrients?

    <p>Vitamins and minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do fat-soluble vitamins not need to be consumed daily?

    <p>They are stored in the liver and fatty tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Vitamin D in the body?

    <p>To maintain normal bones and teeth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D for adult males?

    <p>900 mcg/day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a rich source of Vitamin D2?

    <p>Mushrooms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the upper level of Vitamin D intake for adults?

    <p>3000 mcg/day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the deficiency disease caused by lack of Vitamin D in children?

    <p>Rickets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of Vitamin E in the body?

    <p>To protect cells against oxidative damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the functions of Vitamin B6 in the body?

    <p>Modification of steroid hormone action</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following food sources is richest in Vitamin B9?

    <p>Green leafy vegetables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of a Vitamin B9 deficiency?

    <p>Megaloblastic anaemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B12 for adults?

    <p>2.4 μg/day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is most at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency?

    <p>Older people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a source of Vitamin B6?

    <p>Poultry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of calcium in the body?

    <p>To develop and maintain healthy bones and teeth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of a diet low in calcium?

    <p>Low bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is the majority of calcium stored in the body?

    <p>In the bones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the condition that results from a deficiency in a particular mineral?

    <p>Pernicious anaemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of hormones such as vitamin D in regulating calcium levels?

    <p>To keep calcium levels within narrow limits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following foods is a good source of calcium?

    <p>Fortified soya products</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended daily intake of calcium for children?

    <p>1.2 g/day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the manifestations of hypocalcaemia?

    <p>Cataract</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of iron in the body?

    <p>Formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most bioavailable form of iron?

    <p>Haem iron</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron?

    <p>Phytate and Calcium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the consequences of low blood potassium levels?

    <p>Heart failure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Micronutrients

    • Micronutrients are required in tiny amounts for various bodily processes, but do not provide energy.
    • There are two main groups of micronutrients: vitamins and minerals, measured in milligrams (mg).

    Vitamins

    • Vitamins are required in small amounts for essential processes in the body.
    • The absence or underutilization of vitamins causes specific deficiency syndromes.
    • Excess amounts of some vitamins may cause toxicity.
    • Vitamins are grouped into fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins.

    Fat-Soluble Vitamins

    • Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body and include vitamins A, D, E, and K.
    • These vitamins are not required daily, as the body can build up stores in the liver and fatty tissues for future use.
    • Sources: fatty foods and animal products.

    Vitamin D

    • Vitamin D is necessary for:
      • Calcium and phosphorus absorption and utilization
      • Normal blood calcium levels
      • Maintaining normal bones and teeth
      • Normal muscle function
      • Immune system function
    • Vitamin D is obtained in two forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) from plant sources and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) from sunlight.
    • Sources: meat, egg yolks, liver, fatty fish, and fortified milk.
    • Deficiency: Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults.
    • Toxicity: Hypervitaminosis D, leading to anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and bone aches.

    Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative damage.
    • Sources: unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., plant oils such as sunflower, corn, and olive oils.

    Vitamin B6

    • Functions:
      • Metabolism of amino acids
      • Breaking down glycogen
      • Modification of steroid hormone action
      • Formation of red blood cells and metabolism and transport of iron
      • Maintenance of normal blood homocysteine levels
    • Sources: poultry, white fish, milk, eggs, whole grains, soya beans, and peanuts.
    • Deficiency: Rare, but may occur as a complication of disease or prolonged administration of certain drugs.

    Vitamin B9 (Folate/Folic Acid)

    • Sources: green leafy vegetables, brown rice, peas, orange, bananas, and fortified breakfast cereals.
    • Deficiency: Results in neural tube defects in newborns and megaloblastic anemia.

    Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

    • Functions:
      • Normal formation of red blood cells
      • Normal immune system and nervous system function
      • Energy production
    • Sources: Found in almost all foods of animal origin, including meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs, yeast extract, and fortified breakfast cereals.
    • Deficiency: Rare in younger people, more common in older people due to impaired absorption, resulting in pernicious anemia.

    Minerals

    • The body requires minerals in small amounts for various functions.
    • Each mineral has a specific function and is required in different amounts.

    Calcium

    • Functions:
      • Development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth
      • Normal muscle contraction (including the heart)
      • Normal blood clotting
    • Calcium levels in the blood are regulated by hormones like vitamin D.
    • Sources: dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fortified soya products, and fish eaten with the bones (e.g., sardines).
    • Deficiency: Low bone density, leading to osteoporosis.

    Iron

    • Functions:
      • Formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells
      • Binding of oxygen and transporting it around the body
      • Immune system function
      • Normal energy metabolism
      • Metabolism of drugs and foreign substances
    • Sources: Haem iron (from animal sources) and non-haem iron (from plant sources).
    • Lack of iron may lead to iron deficiency anemia.
    • Vitamin C helps absorb non-heme iron when eaten at the same time.

    Potassium

    • Functions:
      • Normal functioning of the nervous system
      • Normal muscle function
      • Maintaining normal blood pressure
    • Sources: fruit and vegetables (especially bananas), meat, fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds, pulses, and milk.
    • Low blood potassium levels: severe diarrhea, weakness, mental confusion, and, if extreme, heart failure.

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    Understand the importance of micronutrients, their sources, and functions in the body. Learn about the effects of deficiency and excess of each nutrient on health.

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