Transcript “The Trace Minerals” - Hoblitzell`s Science Spot

“The Trace Minerals”
Elements in miniscule amounts
Itty bitty little amounts…
 Because
they are in such tiny
amounts, only nine have been
studied enough for intake
requirements.
 We will only look at a few of these.
“Iodine”
 “Only
tiny amount, but
indispensable.”
 Once absorbed, the iodine
becomes an ion, iodide.
 It is really this iodide that is needed
for body functions.
What does it do?
 “Iodide is a part of thyroxine,
hormone made by thyroid gland.”
 “Regulates metabolic rate, temp,
reproduction, growth…”
Where can we get it?
 “Ocean
is main source: seafood,
water, kelp, and even mist”
 So where would we see
deficiencies?
 Inland.
Deficiencies
 “Iodine
deficiency:” cells
of thyroid swell to
trap as much as
they can: “goiter
in neck”
 Also
sluggishness,
weight gain
Other deficiencies
 “During
pregnancy: fetal death,
cretinism (mental or physical
retardation).”
 One of the most common and
preventable sources of retardation
 IQ can be as low as 20!
 (Average is 100, retardation is 70)
“Food Sources”
 “Varies
with amount in soil”
 Why?
 Amount
plant takes in, or animal
grazes
 “Use of iodized salt has helped”
 Can exceed limit just by eating two
slices of store-bought bread!
“Iron”
 Where do we find it in the body?
 “Most iron is part of two proteins:”
 “Hemoglobin in red blood cells”
 “Myoglobin in muscle cells”
Recycling Iron
 “As cells use up oxygen, iron
shuttles fresh oxygen into tissues
from lungs”
 This is why iron content is so vital.
 Liver packs iron into new blood
cells.
 When cells die (3-4 months), spleen
and liver recycle iron for use again.
How could we run low, then?
 We
lose tiny amounts in nail and
hair trimmings, skin cells, and
digestive tract
 We lose more through bleeding.
 “Iron can be dangerous in certain
parts of the body; we keep it
contained.”
“Deficiency”
 “Severe deficiency = anemia”
 “limits cells’ oxygen; fatigue, apathy,
coldness result”
 The blood looks lighter in color; tongue
and eye linings can be checked for
pinkness
Mental Symptoms
 pica
= craving of
ice, chalk, clay,
and soil
Why deficiency?
 Inadequate
 Blood
intake
loss
 Digestive tract problems that cause
blood loss
 Why do women need 2x iron?
Too much iron? You bet.
 “Iron
overload: most common in
Caucasian men”
 Fatigue, mental depression,
abdominal pain
 Eventually, liver failure, diabetes,
heart failure
 “Children who o.d. on iron
supplements”
“Fluoride”
 “not
essential to life”
 “inhibits development of dental
caries” (cavities, decay)
 Promotes remineralization of
hydroxyapatite in teeth before
cavities get large
 Also suppresses bacteria
Too much fluoride?
 “Too much in water can cause
fluorosis in children.”
 Only happens when teeth are
forming, irreversible
 Children should only use pea-sized
amount of paste and not swallow it!