Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

minerals and health 189
Mineral
Trace Minerals (Microminerals)
iron (continued)
manganese
molybdenum
selenium
zinc
Dietary Sources
pork, ham, beef, chicken, turkey, fish, shrimp
raisins
whole grains and whole grain products
legumes, nuts, seeds
finfish, shellfish, crab, lobster
legumes, nuts, seeds
liver
whole grains and whole grain products
fortified breads and cereals
whole grains and vegetables grown in selenium-rich soil
salt water finfish, shellfish, crab, lobster
pork, ham, beef, lamb from animals who graze on selenium-rich land
oysters, clams, crab, shrimp, lobster
legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu
dairy products, especially cheeses
peas, spinach, broccoli, corn, potatoes (with skin)
formation of new tissues (including growth) and
are crucial for oxidative reactions in the cells. The
body requires iron to synthesize HEMOGLOBIN, the
protein that transports oxygen through the blood
circulation. Fluorine strengthens TEETH and bones
and increases the resistance of the teeth to bacterial
invasion resulting in DENTAL CARIES (cavities).
The THYROID GLAND requires iodine to synthesize
thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism.
Selenium is a potent ANTIOXIDANT that may be a
key player in CANCER PREVENTION. Manganese and
molybdenum are essential cofactors for numerous
enzymes vital to metabolic functions. Chromium
aids metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Deficiencies or toxicities of some trace minerals
can have significant and potentially fatal consequences
for health. Iron deficiency causes ANEMIA,
reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the
tissues through the blood circulation. Excessive
iron accumulates in organs such as the heart and
LIVER, such as occurs with HEMOCHROMATOSIS, eventually
causing failure of those organs. Acute iron
overdose is often fatal.
WILSON’S DISEASE is a genetic disorder in which
the body cannot metabolize copper, allowing copper
to accumulate in the heart, liver, PANCREAS,
and BRAIN. Unchecked, this accumulation is fatal;
treatment is curtailed intake of foods containing
copper. High intake of zinc blocks copper metabolism,
which is therapeutic in Wilson’s disease but
hazardous otherwise. Iodine deficiency causes
HYPOTHYROIDISM, and iodine excess causes GOITER.
Untreated hypothyroidism in a pregnant woman
or an infant causes irreversible brain damage. In
the United States table salt includes iodine to help
ensure adequate iodine intake.
See also CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION; HEALTHY
PEOPLE 2010; NUTRITIONAL NEEDS; NUTRITIONAL SUPPLE-
MENTS; NUTRITIONAL THERAPY; POISON PREVENTION; VITA-
MINS AND HEALTH.