TRACE ELEMENTS
Nutrition DepartmentFaculty of Medicine
IRON; FERRUM (Fe)
• A component RBC’s in hemoglobin formation
• A component of muscles in the form of
myoglobin
• Stored and transported through ferritin, transferrin and pretransferrin
• Heme is the iron haloding part of the Hb
molucule and found in animal sources
Dietary sources of Fe
• MFP factor
• Eating vitamin C at the same time helps to
promote Fe absorption
• High Ca intake promotes the absorption
• Deficiency state
▫ Nutritional anemia – Iron Deficiency Anemia
present with fatigue, weakness, headache, pallor, temperature intolerance and behavior change
▫ Pica
IODINE (I)
• An important component of the thyroid
hormones (T3, T4 and TSH)
• Needed for growth and development,
reproduction and balance of metabolic rate and temperature in the body
Dietary sources
• Found in saltwater fish and shellfish
• Found in iodized salt (fortified) in bread and milk
• Broccoli, brussel sprout, cabbage and cauliflower act as goitrogen or thyroid antagonist in the
Excess intake
• Lead to goiter development
• Hyperthyroidism → increase metabolic rate,
promote weight loss and lead to intolerance to head and tachycardia
• Accidental exposure during pregnancy can lead
COPPER; CUPRUM (Cu)
• A cofactor in Hb, blood clotting and collagen formation
• Participates in iron metabolism
• Participates as an antioxidant with Zn to help support immune system
• Found in organ meat, seafood, nuts, seeds,
Deficiency state of Cu
• RARE, associated with increased Zn, Fe, Ca, Mn,
phytates, antacids, vitamin C, diets high in fructose and TPN solutions
• Anemia
• Skeletal demineralization, decreased pigments
ZINC; ZINKUM (Zn)
• Participating in DNA and RNA synthesis and
heme formation for the protein Hb
• Carbohydrates metabolism (insulin) and release
of energy and in essential fatty acid metabolism
• Activation vitamin A and attaches albumin and
transferrin for transport in the body
• Immune response by stabilizing cell membranes
and preventing the damage of free radicals
Intake of Zn
• Shellfish (oysters and crabmeat), red meat (beef
sirloin), poultry, wheat germ, green peas, yogurt and whole grain products
• Caffeine, oxalic acid, fiber, phytic acid, tea,
• RDA
▫ 15 mg/day ▫ 12 mg/day
• Clients at risk include pregnant adolescents, vegetarians, the elderly, low income clients prone to malnutrition, people who in stress states (myocardial infarction, burn),
SELENIUM
• An antioxidant (part of enzyme glutathione
peroxidase) and with vitamin E provides a
synergistic effects to increase immune activity
• Involved in iodine metabolism
• Found in seafood, liver, meats, green vegetables and dairy products
MANGANESE (Mn)
• A cofactor in energy metabolism and bone
formation
• The liver and pancreas have the highest content
in the body
• Found in wheat bran, legumes, cereal grains,
Mn deficiency
• Clients who have diabetes, PEM and epilepsy
• Clinical manifestation include weight loss,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, change in hair color and increased cholesterol level
• Decreased absorption of Mn
▫ Phytic and oxalic acid
▫ High intake of Ca, Mg and Fe
FLUORIDE; FLUOR
• Part of dental structure in the formation of tooth enamel, teeth and bones
• Helps to strengthen resistance to bacterial acid in the body
• Ca, phosphorus and fluoride is subtance that
make bone and teeth stronger
• Recommendation in the diet (AI)
▫ 3,8 mg/day ▫ 3.1 mg/day
• Deficiency
▫ Tooth decay and increased dental caries
CHROMIUM (Cr)
• CHO metabolism (enhance the action of insulin)
• Lipid metabolism
• Participates in RNA and DNA
Dietary sources of Cr
• Found in spices (thyme and black pepper),
brewes yeast, broccoli, unrefined foods and meat, liver, fats and vegetables oil
• Vitamin C increased absorption
MOLYBDENUM
• A cofactor in protein synthesis
• Found in the liver, kidneys, bone and adrenals
glands
• Dietary sources in organ meats, legumes, grains
- A metallic transition element
- A part of vitamin B12
- Function :
