Copper -trace element, Biochemical role of copper, RDA of copper, Deficiency diseases of Copper, Cobalt - Introduction, Biochemical role of cobalt, RDA of cobalt, Deficiency diseases of cobalt, Selenium - introduction, Biochemical role of selenium, RDA of selenium, Deficiency diseases of 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.