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Trace Mineral Knowledge Test Quiz

Assess Your Understanding of Trace Minerals

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art representing a quiz on trace mineral knowledge.

Dive into this trace mineral quiz to challenge your grasp of essential microelements. Ideal for nutrition students and health enthusiasts eager to explore dietary minerals. The quiz format features multiple-choice questions on mineral roles, dietary sources, and absorption processes, offering immediate feedback. All questions can be freely modified in our editor for customised practice. For deeper study, try the Mineral Nutrition Knowledge Test or explore other quizzes.

Which food is the richest source of heme iron?
Spinach
Beef steak
Lentils
Yogurt
Beef steak contains heme iron which is more bioavailable than non-heme iron. Spinach and lentils contain non-heme iron. Yogurt is low in total iron content.
Which trace mineral is critical for immune function and wound healing?
Zinc
Calcium
Iron
Copper
Zinc is a crucial cofactor for many enzymes involved in immune response and collagen synthesis during wound healing. Though copper and iron also have important roles, they are less directly linked to these processes. Calcium is primarily involved in bone and muscle function.
Which is a significant dietary source of copper?
Shellfish
Apples
White rice
Milk
Shellfish, such as oysters and mussels, are rich sources of dietary copper. Milk, apples, and white rice contain minimal amounts of copper relative to shellfish. Adequate copper intake supports iron metabolism and antioxidant defense.
In the human body, most iron is stored in which protein?
Ferritin
Transferrin
Hemoglobin
Albumin
Ferritin is the primary iron storage protein in cells and tissues. Transferrin transports iron in the bloodstream, while hemoglobin contains iron for oxygen transport not storage. Albumin has no significant role in iron storage.
Which dietary component enhances absorption of non-heme iron?
Polyphenols
Vitamin C
Calcium
Phytates
Vitamin C reduces ferric iron to the more soluble ferrous form, enhancing non-heme iron absorption. Phytates and polyphenols inhibit iron uptake, and calcium can compete with iron for absorption. Therefore, vitamin C is the most effective enhancer among common dietary components.
Which form of dietary iron has the highest bioavailability?
Elemental iron
Non-heme iron
Heme iron
Ferric iron
Heme iron, found in animal products, has higher bioavailability (15-35%) compared to non-heme iron (2-20%) from plant sources. Non-heme iron absorption is more susceptible to dietary inhibitors. Ferric and elemental iron forms refer to chemical states or supplement forms, not directly contrasting bioavailability.
Copper plays a critical physiological role as a cofactor for which antioxidant enzyme?
Catalase
Ceruloplasmin
Glutathione peroxidase
Superoxide dismutase
Copper is an essential component of the antioxidant enzyme ceruloplasmin, which protects cells from oxidative damage. It also aids in iron oxidation during iron transport. Copper does not play a direct role in the other listed antioxidant enzymes.
Which deficiency symptom is most commonly associated with zinc deficiency?
Impaired wound healing
Scurvy
Night blindness
Goiter
Zinc deficiency impairs enzyme activities necessary for tissue repair, leading to delayed wound healing. Night blindness is associated with vitamin A deficiency, scurvy with vitamin C deficiency, and goiter with iodine deficiency.
Which biomarker is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of iron deficiency?
Hemoglobin
Serum ferritin
Hematocrit
Serum calcium
Serum ferritin reflects iron stores and is the earliest indicator of iron deficiency. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decrease later as anemia develops. Serum calcium is unrelated to iron status.
Diets high in phytates, such as those with unrefined grains and legumes, most likely have what effect on zinc absorption?
Inhibit zinc absorption
Enhance zinc absorption
Increase copper bioavailability
No effect on mineral uptake
Phytates bind zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, forming insoluble complexes that inhibit its absorption. They have a similar inhibitory effect on other minerals like iron but are most impactful on zinc. They do not enhance mineral uptake.
In human plasma, zinc is primarily bound to which protein for transport?
Ceruloplasmin
Albumin
Lipoproteins
Transferrin
Albumin binds the majority of zinc in plasma, facilitating its transport to tissues. Transferrin primarily binds iron, while ceruloplasmin binds copper. Lipoproteins are involved in lipid transport, not trace mineral transport.
Where in the gastrointestinal tract is dietary copper primarily absorbed?
Duodenum
Stomach
Colon
Mouth
Copper absorption primarily occurs in the duodenum via transport proteins such as Ctr1. The stomach's acidic environment aids solubility but actual uptake is minimal there. The colon and mouth are not major sites of copper absorption.
Excess intake of which mineral can impair copper absorption by inducing metallothionein synthesis?
Iron
Zinc
Magnesium
Calcium
High zinc intake induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which preferentially binds copper and reduces its absorption. While iron and calcium have their own interactions, zinc's effect on copper is most direct. Magnesium does not significantly interfere with copper uptake.
What is the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for zinc in adults?
100 mg/day
15 mg/day
40 mg/day
50 mg/day
The UL for zinc in adults is set at 40 mg per day to prevent adverse effects like copper deficiency. A daily intake above this level increases the risk of toxicity. The other values are either RDA levels or excessive amounts.
What is the RDA for iron in non-pregnant women aged 19-50 years?
8 mg/day
45 mg/day
27 mg/day
18 mg/day
The RDA for iron for non-pregnant women aged 19-50 is 18 mg per day to compensate for menstrual losses. Men and postmenopausal women require only 8 mg per day. Pregnant women require more, at 27 mg per day.
If a spinach salad provides 3 mg of non-heme iron and the absorption rate is 5%, how much iron is actually absorbed?
0.06 mg
0.15 mg
0.30 mg
1.50 mg
Absorption of non-heme iron from spinach at 5% yields 3 mg × 0.05 = 0.15 mg. The other options miscalculate by using incorrect percentages. This demonstrates how absorption rates apply to dietary intake.
Which transmembrane protein is responsible for exporting iron from enterocytes into the bloodstream?
Ferroportin
Ferritin
Ceruloplasmin
DMT1
Ferroportin is the transmembrane protein that exports iron from enterocytes into the bloodstream. DMT1 imports iron into enterocytes. Ferritin stores iron intracellularly, and ceruloplasmin is involved in iron oxidation and copper transport.
Wilson's disease is caused by a defect in which copper-transporting ATPase?
ZIP4
DMT1
ATP7B
ATP7A
Wilson's disease is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, impairing copper excretion into bile. ATP7A mutations cause Menkes disease, a different copper metabolism disorder. DMT1 and ZIP4 are unrelated to copper efflux.
A mutation in which intestinal zinc transporter causes acrodermatitis enteropathica?
ZnT1
ZIP4
Ferroportin
DMT1
Acrodermatitis enteropathica results from mutations in the ZIP4 transporter, which is responsible for zinc uptake in the intestines. ZnT1 transports zinc out of cells, not critical for intestinal uptake. Ferroportin and DMT1 relate to iron transport.
To improve non-heme iron absorption in a meal high in phytates, one should:
Include vitamin C-rich foods
Increase dietary fiber
Remove source of vitamin C
Add calcium supplements
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) forms soluble complexes with iron and counteracts the inhibitory effects of phytates. Calcium supplements can inhibit iron absorption, and increasing fiber has no enhancing effect. Removing vitamin C would worsen absorption.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify common dietary sources of key trace minerals.
  2. Analyse the physiological roles of iron, zinc, and copper.
  3. Evaluate deficiency symptoms linked to trace mineral imbalances.
  4. Apply strategies to optimize trace mineral bioavailability.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of trace mineral absorption processes.
  6. Master interpreting mineral requirement recommendations for diets.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Iron's Vital Role in Oxygen Transport - Iron forms the heart of hemoglobin, the protein that shuttles oxygen to every cell in your body. Without enough iron, you'll feel drained, dizzy, or short of breath as anemia sets in. Keeping your iron levels balanced helps you stay energized and alert! Read the full summary
  2. Zinc's Role in Growth and Immunity - Zinc is your body's personal repair crew, helping cells grow, wounds heal, and your immune system stay on guard. A zinc deficiency can leave you with slow growth, hair loss, and more colds than you'd like. Make sure you're getting enough zinc to keep your defenses strong! Read the full summary
  3. Copper's Contribution to Energy Production - Copper partners with iron to produce energy, keeping your mitochondria firing on all cylinders. Low copper levels can lead to fatigue, anemia, and a lack of pep in your step. Fuel up with copper-rich foods to power through your day! Read the full summary
  4. Selenium's Importance for Thyroid Function - Selenium acts like a co-pilot for your thyroid, ensuring hormones that regulate metabolism and growth stay on track. Without enough selenium, you might feel weak, sluggish, or experience muscle aches. Keep selenium in your diet for a metabolism that zooms, not dozes! Read the full summary
  5. Iodine's Role in Thyroid Hormone Production - Iodine is the essential ingredient your thyroid needs to produce hormones that manage growth, energy, and brain development. Too little iodine can cause goiter or developmental issues in children. Salt your foods wisely with iodized salt to keep your thyroid humming! Read the full summary
  6. Chromium's Assistance in Metabolism - Chromium works alongside insulin to balance blood sugar and help your body break down carbs, fats, and proteins. A chromium shortfall can lead to unstable glucose levels and energy crashes. Add chromium-rich whole grains and veggies for smooth, reliable energy! Read the full summary
  7. Fluoride's Role in Bone and Dental Health - Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and supports bone mineralization so your smile stays bright and your skeleton stays sturdy. Without enough fluoride, you risk cavities and weaker bones over time. Sip fluoridated water or use fluoride toothpaste for a winning smile! Read the full summary
  8. Manganese's Role in Glucose Synthesis - Manganese is your body's builder, aiding in the synthesis of glucose and the metabolism of amino acids. A deficiency can slow growth and impair bone health. Keep manganese on your team by enjoying nuts, whole grains, and leafy greens! Read the full summary
  9. Molybdenum's Enzymatic Functions - Molybdenum acts as a trusty helper for enzymes that break down certain amino acids and toxins. Though rare, a deficiency can disrupt these vital processes. Include legumes, grains, and nuts in your meals to support your body's enzyme army! Read the full summary
  10. Balancing Trace Mineral Intake - Getting the right mix of trace minerals is like tuning an orchestra - too little or too much of any one can throw the whole performance off. A varied diet rich in fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains usually hits all the right notes. Keep your mineral harmony in check and feel your best every day! Read the full summary
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