Question

Trace minerals are needed in much smaller amounts than major minerals, but they are just as essential for good health. They are stable in cooking, and the amounts found in plant foods are somewhat dependent on mineral content of the soil where those foods are grown. Some are removed during processing, so whole grains are higher in trace minerals than refined grains are. This section will review these substances.
Match the words in the left column to the appropriate blanks in the sentences on the right.

zinc

manganese

copper

iodine

heme iron

nonheme iron

fluoride

selenium

1. --------------------- is found in animal foods like meat and poultry, whereas the-------------------- form is found in plant foods like grains and vegetables.

2. The metal and trace mineral ------------------------------ is part of several enzymes and proteins.

3. Adequate ------------------------------------------- is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and may aid in wound healing.

4. ------------------------------- acts as an antioxidant and aids in thyroid function.

5. ----------------------------------- is not considered essential, but it is very important for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

6. The deficiency disease goiter was much more common before -------------------------was added to salt in the United States.

7. --------------------------------acts as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes and also plays a role in synthesis of bone.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Heme iron is found in animal foods like meat and poultry, whereas the nonheme iron form is found in plant foods like grains and vegetables.

2. The metal and trace mineral copper is part of several enzymes and proteins.

3. Adequate zinc is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and may aid in wound healing.

4. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and aids in thyroid function.

5. Fluoride is not considered essential, but it is very important for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

6. The deficiency disease goiter was much more common before iodine was added to salt in the United States.  

7. Manganese acts as a cofactor for a variety of enzymes and also plays a role in synthesis of bone.

Explanation:

• Iron: The major difference between the iron provided by animals Heme Iron) and plants (Nonheme iron) is that the heme iron is better absorbed by the organism. There are several mechanisms in the intestine that improve the heme iron absorption that is used for producing red globules for the organism. Carnic products such as red meat, fish, and poultry are rich in heme iron. Vegetables contain nonheme iron, which is harder to assimilate by the organism and thus its absorption is lower.

• Copper: Is an essential element for life that intervenes in the electronic transport chain, being part of the IV complex. It is also part of the enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of the superoxide ion, toxic for living organisms. Copper is an element of the hemocyanin which is a protein present in some invertebrates, with a function similar to hemoglobin.

• Zinc: This metal has many uses in industry. In health, it is used in dietetic supplements, to maintain its correct levels. It is also useful in wound healing, in reducing duration and severity of colds, and has antimicrobial properties that help to relieve gastroenteritis symptoms. It is added in solar protectors, in toothpaste for good breath, and in the shampoo to deal with dandruff problems.

• Selenium: It is an antioxidant component of some enzymes that act in the elimination of substances with reactive oxygen. Besides this element is important in the regulation of the thyroid function.

• Fluoride: Although it lacks if metabolic activity in mammals and superior plants, some plants and marine sponges can synthesize a fluor compound as a poison for protection. Fluoride is used in many kinds of toothpaste because it interacts with calcium to create a harder and more stable fluorapatite matrix that protects the teeth.

• Iodine: Is an essential element that intervenes in numerous functions in the organism. The only entranceway of the element is by ingesting it with a recommended diet. Iodine lack might cause several problems in health such as thyroid problems or goiter.

• Manganese: This metal is an essential element that exists naturally in the ground and water. For animals, the manganese is an essential component of enzymes that are used in carbohydrates, fat, and protein metabolism. Manganese is a cofactor for numerous enzyme activities. It is also important in bony tissue development and reproduction.