Question

Discuss the different types of micronutrients and their function in the body. Choose two micronutrients and discuss the signs and symptoms of toxicity and deficiency for each nutrient. What disease process would cause toxicity and deficiencies for both nutrients? Use evidence from one scholarly source other than your textbook or ATI book to support your answer. Use APA Style to cite your source.

Answer 1

The term micronutrients usually is used to describe vitamins and minerals.

For growth, immune function, brain development and many other important functions, vitamins and minerals are essential

Types and Functions of Micronutrients

It is possible to divide micronutrients into four categories: water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, macrominerals and trace minerals.

Regardless of form, the body consumes vitamins and minerals in common ways, and interacts in several processes.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

The water-soluble vitamins — with some of their functions — are:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine): helps nutrients turn into energy
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): needed for power generation, cell function and fat metabolism
• Vitamin B3 (niacin): Improves energy generation from food
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Fatty acid synthesis is required
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Allows the body to release energy from stored carbohydrates

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): necessary for the formation of red blood cells and proper nervous system and brain function
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Necessary to produce neurotransmitters and collagen, skin 's key protein

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

The names and functions of fat-soluble vitamins are:

• Vitamin A: Required for proper organ and vision function

• Vitamin D: Encourages proper immune function and helps absorb calcium and bone growth

• Vitamin E: assists immune function and serves as an antioxidant to prevent damage to cells

• Vitamin K: necessary for blood coagulation and for proper development of the bone

Macrominerals

• Calcium: Essential for proper bone and teeth structure and function. Assists in muscle control and in relaxation of the blood vessels

• Phosphorus: part of the membrane structure of bones and cells

• Magnesium: Assists with more than 300 enzyme reactions including blood pressure control

• Sodium: Electrolyte supporting fluid balance and blood pressure control

• Chloride: In conjunction with sodium, sometimes found. Helps keep fluid balance and makes digestive juices

• Potassium: an electrolyte that preserves cell fluid status and helps with nerve transmission and muscle production;

Trace Minerals

• Iron: Allows muscles to receive oxygen and helps to produce some hormones

• Manganese: Assists the metabolism of carbohydrates , amino acids and cholesterol

• Copper: Necessary for the formation of connective tissues and normal brain and nervous system functions

• Zinc: Required for normal development, immune function and wound cure

• Iodine: Assists in thyroid regulation

• Fluoride: Necessary for the development of bones and teeth

• Selenium: Important for thyroid health, reproduction

Two micronutrients

1.Vitamin A

signs and symptoms of vitamin A toxicity

• Gastrointestinal: nausea , vomiting, stomach pain , loss of appetite.

• Neurological: dizziness, irritability, drowsiness, elevated cerebral oedema intercranial pressure, and headache;

• Dermatological (peeling skin): rash or desquamation

• Death and the Coma

Deficiency :

(RetinolDeficiency)

Deficiency of vitamin A may result from insufficient consumption, fat malabsorption or hepatic disorders. Deficiency affects the immunity and hematopoiesis, causing rashes and common ocular symptoms ( e.g. xerophthalmia, night blindness).

2.Calcium

Signs and symptoms of Calcium toxicity

• Excessive hunger and prolonged urination. Too much calcium means more work for the kidneys. ...

• Digestive issues and abdominal pain. ...

• Pain in the bone and weakness of muscles. ...

• Doubt, lethargy, and weariness; ...

• And depression and anxiety. ...

• Elevated blood pressure and anomalous cardiac rhythms

Deficiency :

A deficiency in calcium can occur at any age. Deficiency of chronic calcium can lead to rickets, osteoporosis, and osteopenia. It may also cause metabolic rate disturbances and other body dysfunctions such as chest pain, finger and toe numbness, muscle cramps, brittle nails, dry skin, and decay of the tooth.

References:

1. Higdon, J. (2003). An evidence-based approach to vitamins and minerals health benefits and intake recommendations. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc..

2. "Minerals". Corvallis, OR: Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.

3. "Vitamins and minerals". US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Library. 2016. Archived from the original on 31 July 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2016.

4. ^ "Vitamins". Corvallis, OR: Micronutrient Information Center, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.