Questions and Answers
What is the current classification status of minerals like nickel, arsenic, and silicon, which may have roles in the body?
They are not classified as essential nutrients.
What is a potential health consequence of long-term exposure to arsenic?
Heart disease and certain cancers.
In which food item can high levels of arsenic be found?
Rice.
What is a possible function of arsenic in the body, as suggested by animal studies?
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Why is there no established UL (Tolerable Upper Intake Level) for arsenic?
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What is the current state of knowledge regarding the essentiality of minerals like nickel, arsenic, and silicon?
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What is the primary function of boron in the human body?
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What is the recommended daily intake of lithium, and in what food sources can it be found?
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What is the primary function of nickel in the human body, and what are some of its food sources?
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What is the primary function of silicon in the human body, and what are some of its food sources?
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What is the primary function of vanadium in the human body, and what are some of its food sources?
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Why is arsenic a concern in rice consumption, and what is the FDA's limit for inorganic arsenic in infant cereals that contain rice?
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What is the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of boron, and what is the recommended daily intake?
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What is the recommended daily intake of nickel, and what is its tolerable upper intake level?
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Study Notes
Minerals with Possible Physiological Roles
- Six minerals, including arsenic, may have roles in the body, but their roles are unclear and are not classified as essential nutrients.
- Nickel, arsenic, and silicon are found in small amounts in the body, but their functions are not well understood.
Possible Functions of Minerals
- Arsenic: methionine metabolism, growth, and reproduction (based on animal studies)
- Boron: steroid hormone metabolism
- Lithium: reproduction, maintenance of appropriate mood
- Nickel: amino acid and fatty acid metabolism
- Silicon: connective tissue, including bone formation
- Vanadium: glucose metabolism, tooth and bone mineralization
Dietary Sources of Minerals
- Arsenic: fish, rice, fruits, vegetables
- Boron: fruit, leafy vegetables, peanuts, beans, wine
- Lithium: water supply, grains, vegetables
- Nickel: chocolate, nuts, beans, whole grains
- Silicon: root vegetables, whole grains
- Vanadium: shellfish, mushrooms, black pepper, parsley, dill
Important Facts about Arsenic
- Arsenic is naturally found in water, soil, and air
- Plants, especially rice, take up arsenic from the environment and store it
- Inorganic arsenic is highly toxic
- Rice is a leading source of inorganic arsenic in diets
- The FDA sets a limit of 100 parts per billion for the amount of inorganic arsenic allowed in infant cereals that contain rice
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Description
Discuss the 6 minerals that may have roles in the body, including arsenic, nickel, and silicon. Their roles are unclear and they are not classified as essential nutrients.
