18 Questions
What is the primary function of macro-minerals in the body?
To maintain acid-base equilibrium
Which of the following is an essential trace element?
Copper
What is the primary advantage of using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for metal analysis?
It is relatively free from interferences and has a wide range of elements covered
What is the role of calcium in the body?
It is a primary component of some tissues
Which of the following is not a function of macro-minerals?
Regulating body temperature
What is the purpose of using atomic emission spectrometry in metal analysis?
To identify the elemental composition of a sample
What is the name of the vitamin that is also known as ascorbic acid?
Vitamin C
Which of the following vitamins are fat-soluble?
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Which of the following vitamins are part of the B complex?
Vitamins B1, B2, and B3
What is the name of the deficiency disease caused by a lack of vitamin C?
Scurvy
What is the term for elements that are major components of body molecules?
Minerals
What is the term for the small amounts of elements that are necessary for good health?
Trace elements
What is the function of essential trace elements like Copper, zinc, and iron?
Cellular respiration
Which of the following elements is stored as ferritin and hemosiderin?
Iron
What is the primary function of vitamin C?
Potentiation of insulin action
Which condition is associated with iodine deficiency?
Goiter
Which vitamin is a recognized allergen and a respiratory tract irritant?
Vitamin K
What is the co-factor for more than 300 enzymes in the body?
Iron
Study Notes
Essential Trace Elements
- Copper, zinc, and iron are essential trace elements.
- Chromium, cobalt, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, and selenium are essential ultratrace elements.
Functions of Essential Trace Elements
- Cellular respiration
- Neurotransmitter regulation
- Collagen synthesis
- Development of vascular and skeletal structures and CNS
- Protection from free radical damage
Copper
- Ceruloplasmin is a protein that transports copper.
- Wilson's disease is a condition caused by copper toxicity.
- Deficiency in copper can lead to malnutrition, Menke's syndrome (kinky hair), and other disorders.
Iron
- Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the earth's crust.
- It is stored as ferritin (soluble) and hemosiderin (insoluble).
- Transferrin is a protein that transports iron.
- Diurnal variation: iron levels are higher in the morning.
- Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia (microcytic, hypochromic RBCs).
- Iron is a co-factor for over 300 enzymes.
Chromium
- Chromium is an important component of glucose tolerance factor.
- It potentiates insulin action and is involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.
- Cr(III) is an essential nutrient, while Cr(VI) is a recognized allergen and respiratory tract irritant.
Iodine
- Iodine is necessary for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
- Thyrotoxicoses can occur due to iodine toxicity.
- Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, hypothyroidism, cretinism, and congenital myxedema.
Vitamins
- Vitamins are organic compounds that occur in natural foods.
- They are classified into two groups: water-soluble (vitamins B and C) and fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K).
- Vitamins have various functions, including:
- Antioxidant functions (vitamins A, C, and E)
- Energy production (vitamins B and C)
- Blood clotting (vitamin K)
- Bone health (vitamin D)
Minerals
- Minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including:
- Providing a suitable medium for protoplasmic activity
- Regulating osmotic phenomena
- Maintaining acid-base equilibrium
- Serving as a primary component of some tissues
- Participating in enzymatic reactions
- Minerals are classified into two groups: macro-minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Cl) and micro-minerals (essential trace elements and toxic elements).
Test your knowledge on vitamins and minerals including their chemical names and functions. Explore topics such as the history of vitamin discovery, clinical deficiencies, and their importance in health. Be prepared to identify key information related to vitamins and minerals.
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