Minerals Metabolism and Trace Elements

Questions and Answers

What is the primary consequence of iodine deficiency in children?

Enhanced physical growth

Increased metabolism

Improved thyroid function

Decreased Intelligent Quotient (IQ) (correct)

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iodine for a healthy adult?

200 micrograms

150 micrograms (correct)

250 micrograms

100 micrograms

Which of the following foods contains goitrogenic substances that can interfere with iodine uptake?

Chicken

Rice

Cabbage (correct)

Apples

Which iodine deficiency disorder results from an enlargement of the thyroid gland?

Goiter Signup and view all the answers

Which source is NOT typically rich in iodine?

Butter Signup and view all the answers

What is one therapeutic use of iodine salts?

Preventing radioactive iodine accumulation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of zinc in the human body?

Stabilization of hormone insulin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sources is considered an excellent source of zinc?

Seafood like oysters Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of zinc for pregnant or lactating women?

25mg/day Signup and view all the answers

Copper is involved in which of the following enzymatic functions?

Cross linking of collagen Signup and view all the answers

Excess copper intake can lead to which of the following conditions?

Hemolysis Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of copper in the human body is found in muscle tissue?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Deficiency of copper is rare in adults but may be observed in which group?

Preterm infants Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of copper for adults?

2.0mg/day Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the common causes of hypokalemia?

Prolonged use of diuretics Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of hyperkalemia?

Low heart beats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source of potassium?

Beverages Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal serum chloride level range?

95-105 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

Which disease condition is associated with hypochloremia?

Prolonged vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of potassium?

2.3 g/day Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of chloride in the human body?

Required for the secretion of HCl in gastric juice Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the body is chloride concentration highest?

Cerebrospinal fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of hypomagnesemia?

Hyperthyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal serum level of magnesium?

1.7-2.4 mg/dl Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT associated with magnesium deficiency?

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

How does diabetic condition relate to magnesium levels?

It impairs renal reabsorption of magnesium Signup and view all the answers

What can result from magnesium toxicity?

Respiratory paralysis Signup and view all the answers

Which food is considered a good source of magnesium?

Pears Signup and view all the answers

What is the RDA of magnesium for adults?

300-350 mg/day Signup and view all the answers

How much potassium is required to store 1 gram of glycogen?

14 mg Signup and view all the answers

Which macro element is primarily complexed with calcium in the body?

Magnesium Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total body magnesium is exchangeable with serum magnesium?

33% Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is NOT activated by magnesium?

Pepsin Signup and view all the answers

Which body function is magnesium NOT primarily involved in?

Oxygen transport Signup and view all the answers

What condition has magnesium deficiency been implicated in?

Type 2 diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the average recommended intake of magnesium per day?

300-350 mg Signup and view all the answers

How does the kidney contribute to magnesium regulation?

By filtration and re-absorption processes Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral's utilization is enhanced by magnesium?

Calcium Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minerals Metabolism Overview

The human body comprises macroelements (e.g., magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus) and trace elements (e.g., zinc, copper, iodine, selenium).
Deficiencies in trace elements can lead to various diseases in humans and animals.

Magnesium (Mg2+)

Acts as a critical intracellular cation (ICF), with a total body content of approximately 25g.
60% of body magnesium is complexed with calcium in bones; 1/3 is exchangeable with serum magnesium.
Functions:
- Activates numerous enzymes that require ATP, including alkaline phosphatase and hexokinase.
- Plays roles in carbohydrate, nucleotide, nucleic acid, and amino acid metabolism.
- Essential for protein synthesis, muscle activation, hormone receptor binding, cardiac excitability, and neurotransmitter release.
Regulation:
- The kidneys are key regulators, balancing magnesium through filtration and reabsorption.
- Normal intake ranges from 300-350 mg/day, with 100-150 mg/day excreted in urine, maintaining equilibrium.
Hypomagnesemia (magnesium deficiency) leads to symptoms like weakness, muscle cramps, and confusion; associated with several health conditions.
Toxicity can lead to hypermagnesemia, primarily in cases of renal failure or excess antacid intake.

Potassium (K+)

The human body contains about 250g of potassium, primarily within cells (ICF).
Functions:
- Maintains plasma volume and contributes to muscle contraction.
- Requires 14 mg of potassium to store 1g of glycogen in the liver/muscles.
Normal serum potassium levels range from 3-5 mEq/L.
Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) can occur due to vomiting, diarrhea, or diuretic use; symptoms include muscular weakness and paralysis.
Hyperkalemia occurs in renal failure and severe dehydration; symptoms can involve weakness and cardiac issues.
Good sources include oil seeds, eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruits. RDA is 2.3g/day.

Chloride (Cl-)

The body contains approximately 120-150g of chloride, primarily as an extracellular anion.
Functions:
- Essential for hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion in gastric juice and maintaining electrical neutrality in cells.
Normal serum chloride levels range from 95-105 mEq/L; deficiencies are rare.
Hypochloremia can result from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, with symptoms including muscular spasms.
Dietary sources include pulses, milk, meat, and eggs, with a daily requirement of 1.5-3.5g.

Phosphorus (P)

Body contains around 500-700g of phosphorus, mainly as inorganic phosphate in bones and teeth.

Zinc

Present in the body in small amounts, stabilizing insulin and supporting immune functions.
Functions include roles in DNA replication, transcription, and cellular activation.
Rare deficiency but sources include seafood, meat, dairy, and grains; RDA is 15mg/day (25mg during pregnancy/lactation).

Copper (Cu)

The body holds about 100-150mg of copper, with significant amounts in muscle, liver, and brain.
Functions in enzyme activity related to metabolism, blood cell formation, and antioxidant defense.
Toxicity can result in health issues like hemolysis; deficiency, although rare, may lead to anemia and skeletal fragility.
Good sources include cereals, meat, and dairy; RDA is 2.0mg/day.

Iodine

The body contains approximately 15-20mg, primarily in the thyroid gland.
Essential for synthesizing thyroid hormones required for growth and development.
Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, decreased IQ, and thyroid dysfunctions.
Goitrogenic foods (e.g., cabbage) may inhibit iodine uptake, mimicking deficiency symptoms.
Iodized salt can prevent IDDs; sources include seafood, dairy, and grains. RDA is 150 micrograms/day.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential roles of macro and micro elements in human metabolism, including minerals like magnesium, calcium, and trace elements such as zinc and selenium. It aims to enhance understanding of mineral deficiencies and their impacts on health. Test your knowledge on the chemistry and functions of these vital nutrients.