Trace Minerals

Trace Minerals Trace minerals are needed in very small quantities in the human body. They perform many essential functions important to health. Toxic levels can easily be reached with the use of supplements.

Iron (Fe) Functions Utilization of energy in cell metabolism Part of the protein hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood Part of the protein myoglobin in the muscles which makes oxygen available for muscle contractions

Iron Deficiency Iron Deficiency Anemia The most common nutrition deficiency worldwide

Vulnerable Stages of Life Women in reproductive years due to menstruation Pregnant women due to the needs of the infant, increases in blood volume, and loss of blood during the birthing process Infants and young children and teenagers due to rapid growth

Iron Iron Deficiency Iron Deficiency and Anemia Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, headaches, apathy, pallor poor resistance to cold temperatures.

Iron Deficiency and Pica Generally found in women and children from low-income groups Eating ice, clay, paste, and other nonfood substances Eating nonfood substances will not correct the deficiency.

Iron Toxicity Iron Overload Hemochromatosis is generally a genetic disorder that enhances iron absorption. Iron overload can also be caused by: -Repeated blood transfusions - Massive doses of supplemental iron - Rare metabolic disorders

Symptoms of iron overload include: apathy, lethargy, and fatigue. Problems include: liver tissue damage and infections. Higher risk of: diabetes, liver cancer, heart disease, arthritis

Iron Food Sources Heme Sources Non-heme Sources (Blood) better absorbed Liver Beef Pork Poultry Non-heme Sources Less absorbed Plant and animal- derived foods Dried beans Prunes Apricots spinach

Factors Affecting Absorption Ferritin Level Determines the amount of iron that is absorbed Phytates and fibers from legumes, grains, and rice Vegetable proteins in soybeans, legumes, and nuts Calcium in milk Tannic acid and other polyphenols in tea, coffee, grains, oregano, and red wine

Highlights Cooking in iron pots increase iron content of food Vitamin C increases absorption Best absorbable form is Ferrous (Fe++) Ferric (Fe+++) not well absorbed

Zinc (Zn) Functions Necessary for energy metabolism Necessary component of insulin Required for the activation of many enzymes Essential fatty acid metabolism Necessary component of sperm Necessary for fetal development and growth Necessary for wound healing

Zinc Deficiencies Growth Failure Delayed sexual maturation Slow wound healing Loss of taste and appetite Low birth weight

Zinc Toxicity Nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue Increased blood lipids Kidney failure Altered immune system

Zinc food Sources Animal sources better absorbed Shellfish, meat (all kinds) Other protein foods – milk, cheese Grains Nuts

Iodine Function Component of thyroid hormone Regulates growth and energy Deficiency Goiter (adults) Cretinism (children) mental retardation Growth failure Hearing loss

Iodine Toxicity Sources Goiter-like symptoms Iodized salt Seafood Bread and dairy products Plants grown in iodine-rich soils Animals that feed on plants grown in iodine-rich soils

Fluoride Fluoride Roles in the Body Formation of teeth and bones Helps to make teeth resistant to decay Deficiency Tooth decay

(irreversible pitting and discoloration Fluoride Toxicity Mottled teeth, fluorosis Food sources Fluoridated water, tea, seafood (irreversible pitting and discoloration of the teeth)

Phytochemicals and Functional Foods

The Phytochemicals “Chemicals of Life” Vitamin-like substances recognized since the 1990s Includes lutein (found in green leafy vegetables) Lutein essential to prevent macular degeneration Includes lycopene (found in tomatoes) Lycopene controls prostate tumors Estimated 100 phytochemicals yet to be identified

The Phytochemicals The phytochemicals give foods taste, aroma, color, and other characteristics.

The Phytochemicals Defending against Cancer Phytoestrogens mimic estrogen Found in soybeans, legumes, flaxseeds, whole grains, fruits and vegetables Antioxidant activity Slow the growth of breast and prostrate cancer Supplements may stimulate the growth of cancers that depend upon estrogen.

The Phytochemicals Defends against cancer Lycopene (controls prostate tumors) Inhibits growth of cancer cells Defends against heart disease Flavinoids Prevents LDL oxidation

Functional Foods Foods as Pharmacy Margarine enhanced with a phytosterol may lower cholesterol. May be more useful in prevention and mild cases of disease. Drugs are used for severe cases of disease.

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