Page 35 - 86 human physiology part-2

Chapter 13

Microminerals or trace elements include at least iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine,
manganese, selenium, zinc, and molybdenum. They are dietary minerals needed by the human body in
very small quantities (generally less than 100mg/day) as opposed to macrominerals which are required
in larger quantities. (Note that the use of the term "mineral" here is distinct from the usage in the
geological sciences.)

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for our body to function properly. Most
vitamins are obtained from what you consume, because the body is unable to manufacture most of the
essential vitamins that you need to survive. Here are types of vitamins and their roles:

Problems With
Problems
Vitamin Food Sources Functions Taking Too
When Deficient
Much
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble
vitamin. It helps cells
Ingested in a precursor differentiate, also lowering your Headache,
form. Found in animal risk of getting cancer. Vitamin Night blindness, dizziness,
sources such as milk A helps to keep vision healthy.
A (retinol) and eggs. Also found It is required during pregnancy. impaired growth nausea, hair
loss, abnormal
of bones and
carrots and spinach Vitamin A also influences the
(contain pro vitamin A function and development of teeth development of
fetus
carotenoids). sperm, ovaries and placenta and
is a vital component of the
reproductive process.
Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble
vitamin that the body requires to
Found in wheat germ, break down carbohydrates, fat Beriberi, Can interfere
whole wheat, peas, and protein. The body needs
B1 muscular with the
(thiamine) beans, enriched flour, vitamin b in order to make weakness, absorption of
fish, peanuts and adenine triphosphate (ATP). enlarged heart other vitamins
meats. Vitamin B1 is also essential for
the proper functioning of nerve
cells.
Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble
vitamin that helps the body
Found in milk cheese, process amino acids and fats.
leafy green vegetables,
B2 liver, soybeans yeast Activated vitamin B6 and folic Dermatitis,
blurred vision, Unknown
acid helps convert
(riboflavin) and almonds. carbohydrates to adenosine growth failure
Exposure to light triphosphate (ATP). Sometimes
destroys riboflavin.
vitamin B2 can act as an
antioxidant.
B3 (niacin) Found in beets, Vitamin B3 is required for cell Pellagra, High blood
brewer's yeast, beef respiration and helps release the diarrhea, mental sugar and uric
liver, beef kidney, energy in carbohydrates, fats, disorders acid,

250 | Human Physiology