IRON

Food sources

Absorption/Transportation/

Function

Storage/Excretion

Deficiency/Toxicity

RDA

1. Mollusks

A: in duodenum Fe(III)Fe(II)

Function:

At risk:

19y/o +

2. Liver

T: transferrin in blood to liver,

- Oxidation-reduction

- Infants, young women, children, pregnant

M: 8mg/d

Bone marrow, muscles, etc.

- Aerobic metabolism

3. Pumpkin seeds
4. Nuts

S: in mucosal cells & liver

(Krebs Cycle, ETC)

women, malabsorption

F: 18mg/d

Symptoms:

- Electron carriers in cytochromes

- work/exercise capacity

Toxicity:

- O2/CO2 transporters in hemoglobin

- Impaired immune function

>40mol/l

- Catalase & collagen synthesis

- Iron deficient anemia

cirrhosis, diabetes,

8. Leafy greens

Assessment:

- Pica ice eating, geophagia

arthritis, skin

9. Dark chocolate

- Serum iron

- Spoon-shaped nails

10. Tofu

- Total iron binding capacity

- thyroid hormone, EEG abnormalities

Vit. C, AA, sugar

- Transferrin saturation

phytic acid & milk

- Hematocrit % of blood that is RBC

5. Beef/Lamb
6. Beans/lentils
7. Whole grains

(liver & spleen recycle iron)

E: mucosal cells thru feces,
Blood loss, sweat

pigmentation

- Hemoglobin

1.

Based on data of bioavailability & iron losses, the amount of iron required daily is greater than the actual value that your body need, because iron absorption is
compromised when you consume phytic acids from greens and milk proteins. There is also iron loss from blood, sweat, and feces.

2.

Iron supplementation is usually done with ferrous sulfate, 325mg per day. A young mother would have to take those oral supplemens for about 2 months to
replenish her bone marrow.

3.

Iron containing enzymes listed & function: cytochrome c & NADH ( ETC), mellaprotein (storage/transport of proteins)

4.

Elderly patients may show normocytic anemia, even without blood loss, because the absorption in the intestines are compromised.

IODINE
Food sources
1.

Sea vegetables

Absorption/Transportation/

Function

Storage/Excretion

Deficiency/Toxicity

RDA

A: rapid through small intestines

Function:

Deficiency:

14y/o +

2. Yogurt

Cell Uptake: enormous

- Regulates body temperature

- Goiter (T4TSHuptake iodine into

M: 150mcg/d

3. Milk

concentrating power, active

- Stimulates protein synthesis

thryroidturnoverhyperplasia of cells

4. Nuts

transport regulated by TSH from

- Regulates carb/lipid catabolism

- Cretinism: dwarfism, mental retardation

Preg: 220mcg

5. Eggs

pituitary, competes with

Assessment:

- Selenium/Vitamin A worsen retardation

Lact: 290mcg

6. Cheese

thiocyanates (cruciferous, cassava)

- Serum iron

Hyperthyroidism:

The older an exposed soil

T: transthyretin (prealbumin)

- Total iron binding capacity

- metabolic functions & metabolism

Toxicity:

surface more likely

S: 70-80% in thyroid gland in

- Transferrin saturation

- Weight loss, hot, tremor, restless, diarrhea

1100mcg/d

iodine leak (Himalayas,

T3 (active) & T4

- Hematocrit % of blood that is RBC

Hypothyroidism:

Andes, Alps, etc.)

Thyroglobulin (colloid that

- Hemoglobin

- metabolism, mental process

fills thyroid follicle)

5.

Investigate iodine content in soil where crops are grown,

iodine in diet, thyroid hormone levels, malabsorption
disorders, thiocynates in diet, and stress levels.

6.

Measurements of TSH and T4 required determining if patients

with symptoms of hypothyroidism are iodine deficient b/c low
if it is caused my iodine deficiency then T4 will be low while
TSH is high. If TSH and T4 are both low then it may be an
abnormality in the pituitary gland.

- Weakness, constipation, cold/dry skin

F: 150mcg/d

CHROMIUM
Food sources

Absorption/Transportation/

Function

Storage/Excretion

Deficiency/Toxicity

RDA

1.

Brewers yeast

A: by Vit. C / by phytates

Function:

Deficiency:

AI for 19+

2.

Meat (Liver)

T: transferrin & albumin

- Insulin action (macro metabolism)

- Weight loss

M: 35mcg/d

3.

Fish

S: bones, liver, kidneys, spleen

- Improved glucose tolerance in

- Glucose intolerance

F: 25mcg/d

4.

Eggs

E: in feces & urine

- Nerve damage

AI for 50+

5.

Whole grains

Toxicity (1100mcg/d):

M: 30mcg/d

6.

Broccoli/Mushrooms

- Trivalent Cr highly tolerable

F: 20mcg/d

7.

Nuts & legumes

- Allergic dermatitis, skin ulcers,

8.

Dark chocolate

children with PEM & diabetics

bronchogenic carcinoma (airborne)

CARNITINE
Food sources
-

Absorption/Transportation/

Function

Storage/Excretion

Deficiency/Toxicity

Biosynthesis from

D: some by microflora in GI tract

Function:

Conditioned:

lysine & methionine

A: passive & active transport into

- Transports FA in mitochondria &

- Reduced capacity for biosynthesis

(liver/kidney)
- Depends on ascorbate,
Fe, PLP, folate

Portal circulation, then liver,

acyl residue from 1 cellular

- Subnormal CPT I

Then into systemic circulation

compartment to another

- Alterations in cellular mechanisms

Regulation: renal clearance,

- Excess loss (hemodialysis, etc.)

reabsorption, decline w/ blood lvls

- Raised tissue requirement (infants, neonate)

Cell uptake: specific L taken, D

- Vegetarian lower carnitine plasma levels

not
S: skeletal muscles (95%)
7.

Carnitine status is altered in patients with renal disease, because it is regulated by renal clearance. There may be excessive excretion of carnitine.

8.

Nutrients required for carnitine synthesis are lysine and methionine. It also depends on ascrobate, Fe, PLP, and possibly folate.

RDA
NO RDA

COPPER
Food sources
1. Shellfish/nuts/seed/
legumes/grains/organ
2. Grains/chocolate/fruits/
vegetable/mushrooms
tomatoes/bananas/grape/
most meats/potatoes
3. Very low: cows milk

Absorption/

Function

Transportation/Storage
A: small amounts in stomach,

Function:

19 y.o +

- Iron & zinc

M: 900mcg/d

- Molybdenum- Cu deficiency

F: 900mcg/d

Mono-inactivation of serotonin, norepinephrine, tyramine,

- Ascorbic acid- ceruplasmin

DV: 2mg/d

dopamine

- Carbs- SOD levels low

- Enzymes: shift back/forth Cu

Regulation: by need, MT

- Amine oxidases:

increase linearly
T: ceruloplasmin, albumin,

o
o
o

2+/+

Di-inactivates histamine & polyamines, cell proliferation

formation, skeletal mineralization & integrity of connective

for detoxification (possibly)

tissue in heart/vascular

- Ferroxidases
o
o

- No reliable biomarkers

Lysyl-bone, blood, skin, lungs, teeth; essential for bone

transcuprein, some into MT

S: skeletal muscles (95%)

RDA

Interation w/ other nutrients:

Small Intestines
intestines absorption doesnt

Deficiency/Toxicity

- Ceruloplasmin, leukopenia,
neutropenia, osteoporosis
- Anemia, arthritis, arterial

Ceruplasmin (Ferroxidace I): inc. inflammation

disease, loss of pigmentation,

Ferroxidase II: anemia in copper deficiency, necessary for

cholesterol, heart irregularity,

bone marrow formation

- SOD: scavenge radicals, brain, liver, kidney, etc.

- Cu-proteins:
o

MT (rich in cysteine, storage metal ions)

Albumin (binds/transports copper, against toxicity)

Blood clotting factor V

Required for myline, nerve tissue

- Thermal regulation, cholesterol metabolism, glucose

metabolism, immune fnx. Cardiac fnx.

glucose tolerance
- Menkes disease, Wilsons
Disease

BONE FORMATION

CALCIUM
Food sources
1. Yogurt

Absorption/

Function

Transportation/Storage

Deficiency/Toxicity

RDA

A: depends on Vit. D &

Function:

Hypercalcemia (too much)

19 y.o +

2. Tofu

by fiber, phytate, oxlic acid

- structural function in bones/teeth

- risk of kidney stones, HTN, kidney failure

M: 1000mg/d

3. Sesame seeds

by sto. acid, lactose, protein

- blood clotting, cell metabolism

Food effects

F: 1000mg/d

4. Milk

Reduce w/ diarrhea, tannins

- transmission of nerve impulses

- risk of colon cancer, kidney stones, bp.

70+: 1200mg

5. Collard greens/kale

Increase with need growth, etc.

- muscle contractions

6. Spinach

Along small intestines (25-35%)

7.

Cheese

S: bones

8.

Scallops

9.

Beans

10. Blackberries
11. Almonds
12. Oranges

PHOSPHORUS
Food sources
1. Milk, cheese

Absorption/

Function

Transportation/Storage
A: Upper Small intestines

Deficiency/Toxicity

RDA

Function:

At Risk:

19 y.o +

Vit. D / phytates

- Major component of bones & teeth

- Preterm infants, alcoholics, elder, poor diet,

M: 700mg/d

3. Bakery products

T: active transport/diffusion

- Intracellular anion, buffer in blood

4. Cereal, bran

E: by kidneys, reg by PTH

- Part of RNA, DNA, ATP, etc.

2. Meat, poultry

5. Additives: modosodium,
monocalcium

long term diarrhea, weight loss

Deficiency (RARE):

F: 700mg/d
DV: 1000mg

- Bone loss, decrease growth, poor teeth,

rickets, anorexia, weight loss, weakness,

UL: 3-4g/d

irritability, stiff joints, bone pain

Calcification

VITAMIN K
Food sources
1. Cruciferous vegetables
2. Green peas
3. Soybean oil

Absorption/

Function

Transportation/Storage
A: bile & pancreatic juice (15-20%)
chylomicrons, appears lymphs
T: chylomicrons liver
2

Deficiency/Toxicity

RDA

Function:

At Risk:

AI

- Prothrombin: coagulation

- Preterm infants, alcoholics, elder, poor diet,

M: 120mcg/d

- Bone proteins (BGP/MGP)

- Proteins are inhibited by warfarin in

long term diarrhea, weight loss

F: 90mcg/d

4. Canola oil

S: small, /3 of liver, lost in 3 days

Bioavailability influenced

E: feces & urine

by accompanying fat

* vit. E increases vit. K req.

- Brain sphingolipid synthesis

rickets, anorexia, weight loss, weakness,

UL: 3-4g/d

* vit. A reduced abs. of vit. K

- Induce apoptosis in leukemia

irritability, stiff joints, bone pain

Calcification

their synthesis & regulated by D3

Deficiency (RARE):

DV: 80mcg

- Bone loss, decrease growth, poor teeth,

1.

New borns are low in Vitamin K, because the placenta is not a good transmitter for vitamin K so the fetus did not absorb enough vitamin K. Breast milk is also low in Vitamin K
and the infant gut is sterile and may lead to hemorrhagic diseases of the newborn.

2.

Warfarin therapy may lower bone mineral density and result in calcification of bones, which in turn causes brittle bones

3.

Cheese is a good source of calcium because absorption of calcium is increased with lactose and protein, which are both in cheese. Cheese also does not contain much fiber, phyttic
acid, or oxalic acid, which are factors that decrease absorption of calcium.

4.

Patients with copper deficiency are enemic because by accumulation of iron in the liver. Ferroxidases are copper containing enzymes that are needed to oxidize ferrous iron and
ransfer iron from storage to sites of hemoglobic synthesis. If there is a copper defiecieny, then there will be a decrease in ferroxidases, which will in turn create a build up of iron in
the liver, because it cannot be oxidized or transferred to produce hemoglobin.

5.

When calcium is low the parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormones which then stimulate calcium release from bones to increase blood calcium, calcium uptake in intestines
to increase blood calcium, calcium retention in kidneys to increase blood calcium. & increase in Vitamin D3 helps in absorption of calcium in the GI tract
When calcium is high the thyroid gland releases calcitonin, which decreases calcium release from bones to lower blood calcium and increase calcium secretion in kidneys to lower
blood calcium.

6.

Osteoblasts:

synthesize, transport, and arrange matrix proteins

receptors for PTH, vit D, estrogen, cytokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, leptin, LDL receptor-related protein 5

initialize mineralization

Osteoclasts:

bone resorption

RANKL: produced by osteoblasts, marrow stromal cells, stimulates osteoclast formation, fusion, differentiation, activation, survival blocked by osteoprotegrin (OPG), from
multiple tissues incl. Immune cells from hematopoietic progenitor cells

7.

What functions does phosphorus have in the body? (Know the main functions for all the nutrients.)
Major component of bones & teeth, Intracellular anion, buffer in blood, Part of RNA, DNA, ATP, etc

8.

Vitamin K function in gamma-carboxylation of the glutamic acid residues. Low vitamin K is associated with low bone masss, risk of hip fractures and cardiovascular mortality.