Question 1

Which mineral may substitute for magnesium in the complement system?

Accepted Answer

Nickel can substitute for magnesium in some enzymatic reactions, including those in the complement system, due to its similar ionic radius and charge.

Question 2

What ultratrace element is normally consumed at <100 µg/d, mainly from nuts, legumes, grains, and chocolate, and has been assigned a Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 1 mg/d?

Accepted Answer

Nickel is an ultratrace element consumed at less than 100 µg per day, primarily from dietary sources like nuts, legumes, grains, and chocolate, and it has a Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 1 mg per day.

Question 3

In humans, signs of nickel _____ include nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are signs of nickel toxicity, which occurs when there is an excessive amount of nickel in the body.

Question 4

Boron is associated with which of the following functions?

Accepted Answer

Boron is important for bone health and has been shown to mediate the inflammatory response. It is not directly involved in metabolism of methionine or methylation of DNA, synthesis of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate/collagen, or insulin action.

Question 5

Which of the following interacts with fluoride in such a way as to inhibit absorption?

Accepted Answer

Calcium interacts with fluoride in such a way as to inhibit absorption. When calcium is present in the digestive tract, it binds with fluoride to form insoluble calcium fluoride, which is then excreted from the body instead of being absorbed. This can reduce the amount of fluoride that is absorbed by the body, potentially reducing the risk of fluorosis or other negative effects of excess fluoride consumption.

Question 6

Because of its anti-inflammatory actions, which element may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Boron has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 7

Which mineral is known to influence nickel absorption?

Accepted Answer

Iron is known to influence nickel absorption as both minerals can compete for similar transport pathways in the body.

Question 8

What ultratrace element plays a role in the metabolism of methionine to taurine?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic is considered an ultratrace element that plays a role in the metabolism of methionine to taurine.

Question 9

For what ultratrace element that is well known for its toxicity, yet is now deemed essential in small quantities, have no human dietary requirement and no Tolerable Upper Intake Level been established?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic is an ultratrace element that is well known for its toxicity, yet is now deemed essential in small quantities. No human dietary requirement and no Tolerable Upper Intake Level have been established for arsenic.

Question 10

Which element is second only to oxygen in abundance on earth?

Accepted Answer

Silicon is the second most abundant element on earth after oxygen, making up about 27.7% of the earth's crust by mass.

Question 11

Which element impairs iodine uptake, causing compensatory goiter in mice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which element impairs iodine uptake, causing compensatory...

Question 12

Which ultratrace element affects the composition, structure, and strength of bones as well as cell membrane stability and inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Boron is an ultratrace element that plays a role in bone health by affecting the composition, structure, and strength of bones. It also influences cell membrane stability and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Question 13

What foods are rich sources of silicon?

Accepted Answer

Whole grains and root vegetables are rich sources of silicon, while coffee and beer contain only moderate amounts. Milk and milk products, as well as meats, poultry, and fish, have minimal amounts of silicon.

Question 14

Which micromineral plays a contributing role in the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals that are more resistant to acid erosion?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride is the micromineral that plays a contributing role in the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals that are more resistant to acid erosion. Fluoride helps to remineralize the enamel, making it more resistant to acid attack and decay.

Question 15

Human toxicity has been shown as blackfoot disease, a peripheral vascular condition, in individuals drinking water contaminated with _____.

Accepted Answer

Blackfoot disease is caused by chronic exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water.

Question 16

Which ultratrace element was used as a preservative for meat, fish, and dairy products in the early 1900s, considered dangerous for humans in the 1920s, and then deemed essential starting in the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which ultratrace element was used as a...

Question 17

Which categories of food provide the most nickel?

Accepted Answer

Nuts, legumes, and grains are known to contain higher levels of nickel compared to other food categories.

Question 18

Which of the following groups of foods are richest in boron, providing 1.0 to 4.5 mg/100 g?

Accepted Answer

Raisins, legumes, nuts, and avocados are known to be rich sources of boron, providing between 1.0 to 4.5 mg per 100 grams.

Question 19

Selenium and iodine interact antagonistically with _____.

Accepted Answer

Selenium and iodine interact antagonistically with arsenic.

Question 20

The element that appears to be needed for formation and utilization of methyl groups and formation of S-adenosylmethionine is _____.

Accepted Answer

Arsenic is involved in the metabolism of methyl groups and the formation of S-adenosylmethionine, which is a key methyl donor in biological processes.

Quiz 14: Nonessential Trace and Ultratrace Minerals