Copper, cobalt, selenium
- 1. Biochemical Role, RDA, Deficiency diseases of Copper; Cobalt; Selenium
- 2. Copper - Introduction Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the health of all living things (humans, plants, animals, and microorganisms). Our body contains about 100mg copper distributed in different organs.
- 3. Copper - Introduction Copper's essentiality was first discovered in 1928, when it was demonstrated that rats fed a copper- deficient milk diet were unable to produce sufficient red blood cells. The anemia was corrected by the addition of copper- containing ash from vegetable or animal sources.
- 4. Copper – Biochemical Role Copper is an essential trace element (i.e., micronutrient). Copper is incorporated into a variety of proteins and metalloenzymes which perform essential metabolic functions; the micronutrient is necessary for the proper growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs.
- 5. Copper – Biochemical Role Copper is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization of iron, the metabolism of cholesterol and glucose, and the synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes. These enzymes in turn produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting, and oxygen transport.
- 6. Copper – Biochemical Role Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, to repair injured tissues, and to promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize "free-radicals", which can cause severe damage to cells.
- 7. Copper – RDA The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adult men and women is 900 μg/day. The median intake of copper from food is approximately 1.0 to 1.6 mg/day for adult men and women.
- 8. Copper – RDA
- 9. Foods rich in copper
- 10. Copper – Deficiency diseases Copper deficiency can be hard for doctors to diagnose because the symptoms are like many other conditions. For example, the symptoms associated with copper deficiency are similar to those of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
- 14. Cobalt – Introduction Cobalt is a trace element, present in the body in small amounts (about 1 milligram). It is the active center of coenzymes called cobalamins. Cobalt also participates in the biotin- dependent Krebs-cycle, the process that the body uses to break down sugars into energy.
- 15. Cobalt – Biochemical Role 1. Cobalt is an integral part of vitamin B12 and therefore essential for the function of cells. 2. Cobalt is involved in the production of red blood cells and the production of antibacterial and antiviral compounds that prevent infections. 3. It also plays a key role in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates as well as the synthesis of proteins and conversion of folate in their active form.
- 16. Cobalt – Biochemical Role 4. In the nervous system, cobalt is responsible for preventing demyelination, which is a condition that results in damage to the membrane that covers the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. • Such prevention ensures continuance of efficient transmission of nerve impulses.
- 17. Cobalt – RDA Recommended daily intake for an adult is between 5 and 8 mg of cobalt per day. If needed, cobalt supplements are best taken in the form of vitamin B-12. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always consult with a doctor before taking any mineral supplements in order to prevent harm to themselves and their infants.
- 18. Cobalt – Deficiency diseases A shortage of cobalt is associated with that of a deficiency in vitamin B12. Once of the most obvious consequences is pernicious anemia, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, weight loss, confusion, and headaches.
- 19. Cobalt – Deficiency diseases Also if symptoms persist for a longer period of time, cobalt deficiency can cause neurological disorders , nerve damage, loss of memory , mood changes and psychosis . In the worst case scenario, it can be fatal.
- 20. Cobalt – Deficiency diseases Excessive cobalt intake can cause heart problems, including congestive heart failure. It can also lead to excessive production of red blood cells (polycythemia), with increased risk of blood clot formations and stroke. High levels of cobalt may produce a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and reduce the overall function of the thyroid. It can also cause hyperglycemia, which is a condition that involves increased blood sugar levels.
- 22. Selenium – Biochemical Role Selenium was originally identified as an element that causes toxicity to animals (alkali disease) in some parts, containing large amounts of Se in the soil. Later work, however, has shown that Se in smaller amounts is biologically important.
- 23. Selenium – Biochemical Role Selenium, along with vitamin E, prevents the development of hepatic necrosis and muscular dystrophy. Se is involved in maintaining structural integrity of biological membranes.
- 24. Selenium – Biochemical Role Se is an integral component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase which provides defense against peroxide damage to the cells. Se prevents lipid peroxidation and protects the cells against the free radicals, including superoxide (O2-).
- 25. Selenium – RDA Requirements and sources A daily intake of 50-200 μg of Se has been recommended for adults. The good sources of Se are organ meats (liver, kidney) and sea foods.
- 26. Selenium –Deficiency diseases Toxicity Selenosis is the toxicity due to very excessive intake of Se. The manifestations of selenosis include: weight loss, Emotional disturbances, Diarrhea, Hair loss and Garlic odor in breath. The compound dimethyl selenide is responsible for the garlic odour.