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?

Answer 1

Micronutrients are essential nutrients which fullfill the need of body. For the example vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are having various important functions like energy production, blood clotting, immune function as well as for numerous reactions in the body while minerals are significantly required in bone health, normal growth, fluid balance as well as other functions in the body.

Two important micronutients are zinc and copper.

Zinc deficiency may lead to

• Unusual weight loss.
• lack of alertness.
• loss of appetite etc.

Sign and symptoms of toxicity of zinc in human body: stomach pain and diarrhoea, change in taste and chest pain.

Copper deficiency may lead to: anemia, weakness of muscles and some neurological problems.

Sign and symptoms of toxicity of copper in human body: Hematemesis, diarrhoea and headache

Process/ Disease causing toxicity of zinc: genetic disorder for zinc metabolism and overdosing of the zinc

Disease causing deficiency of zinc: Wilson's disease

Process/ Disease causing toxicity of copper: genetic disorder for copper metabolism and impairment of liver function

Disease causing deficiency of copper: genetic disorder as Menkes disease.