MICROMINERALS

Mindanao Sanitarium and Hospital College Bachelor of Science in Nursing Level II

DESCRIPTION

The microminerals are a group of minerals which are needed by the body in minute amounts to perform certain vital functions. They are sometimes called trace minerals because they are found in the adult body at the level of about 5 g and must be consumed in amounts less than 100 mg/day. The microminerals function primarily as conezymes in energy metabolism.

IRON

FUNCTION
As a constituent of hemoglobin and myglobin, iron is a carrier of oxygen needed for cellular respiration. It is necessary for hemoglobin formation. It is an active component of tissue enzymes involved in the conversion of beta-carotene to Vitamin A.

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Form of Iron Type of Iron Body Needs Bulk in the Diet Size of Dose Presence of Phytic and Axalic Acids Presence of citrates, sugar and some amino acids Presence of Tannins Intake of Coffee Presence of Ascorbic Acid Infections and malabsorption syndromes

Metabolism Excretion

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Anemia

TOXICITY RESULTS

Hemosiderosis

Excessive iron intake through use of supplements Failure of the body to regulate iron absorption High doses of Vitamin C

Hemochromatosis
Absorbs usually large amounts of iron and stores it in tissues that normally do not store iron Causes: cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus, discoloration of the skin Habitual, excessive alcohol consumption

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes:

Men, 19 years and above

Women, 16-64 years 65 years and above Pregnant women Lactating women

12 mg
27 mg 10 mg 27-38 mg 27-30 mg

Infants, 6-11 months

Children, 1-9 years Boys, 10-18 years Girls, 10-15 years

10 mg
8-11 mg 13-20 mg 19-21 mg

FOOD SOURCES
Heme iron: meat, fish, poultry Nonheme iron: legumes, dried fruits, whole grains, fortified cereals

ZINC

FUNCTION
Essential component of several metalloenzymes. Nucleic acid metabolism and in protein synthesis or in the growth of cells and tissues. Necessary for the development of male reproductive functions and spermatogenesis. Associated with stored insulin. Detoxification of metals and metabolism of sulfurcontaining amino acids. Acceleration of wound healing and normal sense of taste. Host immune defenses.

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Upper jejunum

Transportation
Mucosal cells Alburnin Liver

Excretion
Feces Urine Hair loss Sweating

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Slow growth Alopecia Disturbances in the Keratinization process in the skin Hypospermia Delayed Sexual Maturation White Cell Defects Decreased taste acuity

TOXICITY RESULTS

Excess of Zinc:
Nausea Vomiting Abdominal Cramps Gastrointestinal Irritation Fever

Decrease of High Density Lipoprotein Formation of antheromatous plaques.

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 16-64 years 65 years and above 12 mg 27 mg 10 mg Infants, 6-11 months Children, 1-9 years Boys, 10-18 years 10 mg 8-11 mg 13-20 mg

Pregnant women
Lactating women

27-38 mg
27-30 mg

Girls, 10-15 years

19-21 mg

FOOD SOURCES
Milk Beef Liver Oysters Eggs Crimini Mushrooms Spinach Sea Vegetables Pumpkin seeds Green peas Nuts

SELENIUM

FUNCTION
Reduce or Prevent the Effects of Vitamin E Deficiency Antioxidant Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Dependent upon the source, form, solubility Seleno-amino acid 80% or more

Excretion
Urine Respiration

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Cardiomyopathy Muscle inflammation Enhanced skin pallor

TOXICITY RESULTS
20-30 times more can cause toxicity Hair loss Nails and Dental Caries Dermatitis Peripheral Neuropathy Irritability Fatigue

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 19 years and above 31 mcg 31 mcg Lactating women Pregnant women 40 mcg 35 mcg

FOOD SOURCES
Fish Grains Red and White Meat Dairy Eggs Organ Meats Muscle Meats Seafoods Garlic

MANGANESE

FUNCTION

Catalyst

Glucose Metabolism Protein Metabolism Fat Metabolism

Formation of Urea Increases the storage of thiamin Bone Development

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Intestine

Transportation
Loosely binded with proten Tissues for storage Bile

Excretion

Feces

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Weight Loss Dermatitis Nausea Changes in color and growth rain of the fair, beard, and nails Hypocholesterolemia

TOXICITY RESULTS

No incidence of maganese toxicity caused by diet has yet been observed in humans, unless experimentally induced.

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 19 years and above Boys, 13-18 years 2-3 mg 1.8 mg Girls, 13-18 years Children, 1-12 years 10 mg 1.2-1.9 mg

2.2 mg

FOOD SOURCES
Nuts Whole Grains Dried legumes Tea Green Leafy Vegetables Dried Fruits Fresh Fruits Non-leafy Vegetables

COPPER

FUNCTION
Iron Functions Catalyst

Oxidation-Reduction Mechanism

Integrity of the Myelin Sheath Bone Formation Formation of Melanin Pigment Maintains Enzyme Activity

UTILIZATION

Absorption

30% Stomach and Upper Intestine

Transportation
Protein Albumin Muscle Mass and Bones, Liver, Heart, Kidneys, and Central Nervous System

Excretion Large Intestine

Feces Urine (4%)

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Hypocupremia Anemia Nephrosis Menkes Disease Hypoproteinemia

TOXICITY RESULTS

Wilsons Disease

Inherited Excess Accumulation Neuron and Liver Cell Damage

Excess Copper stored:

Liver Brain Cornea

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Adult Children 1.5-3 mg 0.7-2.5 mg Infants Adolescents 0.4-0.7 mg 0.7-2.5 mg

FOOD SOURCES
Organ meats Shellfish Nuts Cocoa Cherries Mushroom Whole Grain Cereals Leafy Vegetables Eggs Fish Fresh Fruits

IODINE

FUNCTION

Synthesis of Thyroxin

Conversion of carotene to the active form of the vitamin Synthesis of protein by ribosomes Absorption of carbohydrate from the intestine Synthesis of cholesterol

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Small Intestine

Transportation Blood Stream to the Thyroid Gland Alpha-Globulin Excretion Urine

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Cretinism- hypothyroidism, physically dwarfed Myxederma- coarse, sparse hair, dry, yellowish skin, poor tolerance to cold, low husky voice

TOXICITY RESULTS

Thyrotoxicosis

Iodine-induced Goiter Excess of Iodine Symptoms: tachycardia, palpitation, insomnia, and bugeyes

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 19 years and above Adolescents, 13-18 years 150 mcg 150 mcg Children, 1-6 years Children, 7-12 years Pregnant and Lactating women 90 mcg 120 mcg

150 mcg

50 mcg

FOOD SOURCES
Oysters Shrimps Iodized Salt

MOLYBDENUM

FUNCTION
Xanthine oxidase necessary for the oxidation of xanthine to uric acid Liver aldehyde oxidase, a flavoprotein, for catalyzing the oxidation of aldehydes to corresponding carboxylic acid Sulfate oxidase which functions in the degradation of sulfur derived from amino acids

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Gastrointestinal tract
Urine

Excretion

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Headache Irritability Night Blindness Lethargy Coma Abnormal Metabolism of Sulfur-containing amino acids Abnirmal degradation of nucleic acid

TOXICITY RESULTS
None observed on humans. Experimental animals manifested:

Diarrhea Anemia Depressed Growth Rate

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 19 years and above 75-250 mcg 75-250 mcg Adolescents, 13-18 years Infants 75-250 mcg 25-150 mcg

FOOD SOURCES
Milk Milk Products Whole Grain Cereals Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

COBALT

FUNCTION
Constituent of Vitamin B12 Normal functioning of all cells

Bone Marrow Nervous System Gastrointestinal System

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Gastrointestinal Tract

Excretion
Urine Feces Sweat

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Pernicious Anemia

TOXICITY RESULTS

Polycythemia

Increase number of Red Blood Cells Hyperplasia of the bone marrow

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 19 years and above Adolescents, 13-18 years 5-20 mcg 5-20 mcg Children, 1-6 years Children, 7-12 years Pregnant and Lactating women 5-20 mcg 5-20 mcg

5-20 mcg

5-20 mcg

FOOD SOURCES
Liver Kidney Oysters Clams Lean Beef Veal Poultry Salt Water Wish Milk

CHROMIUM

FUNCTION
Raise abnormally low fasting blood sugar levels Improve faulty uptake of sugar by body tissues Assist insulin in moving glucose through the membrane into the cell Synthesis of fatty acid and cholesterol

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Glucose intolerance Increased incidence of diabetes Decreased glycogen reserves Retarded growth Disturbed amino acid metabolisms

TOXICITY RESULTS
Increased incidence of bronchial cancer Eczematous dermatitis Systemic effects on the liver and kidneys

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Men, 19 years and above Women, 19 years and above Adolescents, 13-18 years 50-100 mcg 50-100 mcg Children, 1-6 years Children, 7-12 years Infants 20-200 mcg 20-200 mcg

20-200 mcg

10-60 mcg

FOOD SOURCES
Corn Oil Clams Whole Grain Cereals Vegetables Meat Brewers Yeast

FLUORINE

FUNCTION
Reduces dental caries Minimizing bone loss

UTILIZATION

Absorption

Bones Teeth
Urine (50%)

Excretion

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Increase risk to dental caries

TOXICITY RESULTS
Mottling of the enamel or dental fluorosis Crippling Skeletal Fluorosis

RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT INTAKES

The 2002 Philippine RENI suggests the following intakes: Infants, 0-6 months 6-11 months Adolescents and adult females Adolescent males, 13-18 years Adult males 19 years and over 0.01 mg 0.5 mg 2.5 mg Children, 1-3 years 4-6 years 0.7 mg

1.0 mg

2.5-2.9 mg

7-9 years

1.2 mg

3.0 mg

10-12 years

1.7-1.8 mg

FOOD SOURCES
Water Tea Chinese Tea Soybeans Seafood