Introduction

Minerals are essential nutrients for growth, development, immune function, enzyme activation, and overall health.
Deficiencies or excesses in these minerals can lead to significant health problems, particularly in growing infants.
In this lecture, we will discuss some of the most important minerals for infants.

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Copper

Significance
- Copper is essential for iron metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of healthy bones, and immune system function.
- It also plays a role in brain development and the synthesis of connective tissue.
- Daily requirements for an infant; 200-220 µg/day.
Sources
- Breast milk, formula milk, Liver, seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and dark leafy greens.
Deficiency
- Copper deficiency in infants is rare but can lead to: Anemia, Neutropenia, bone abnormalities (osteoporosis or fractures), impaired immune function and delayed growth.
Excess
- Copper toxicity is uncommon but can occur with excessive intake or in genetic disorders like Wilson’s disease.
- Symptoms include:Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, liver damage or failure, neurological problems (tremors, difficulty walking) and jaundice.

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Significance
- Fluoride is important for the enhancement of tooth mineralization, reversal of tooth demineralization, and inhibition of acid-producing bacteria that cause caries
- Daily requirements for an infant after 6 months of age is 0.25 mg/day.
Sources
- Fluoridated water, Toothpaste (not recommended under 2 years)
Deficiency
- Fluoride deficiency can increase the risk of: dental caries (tooth decay), weaker tooth enamel.
Excess
- Excess fluoride intake can lead to: Dental fluorosis : a cosmetically disfiguring condition resulting in the enamel having white flecks, opaque white appearance, or brown discoloration (>4-8 mg/day) during the teeth-developing years.

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Significance
- Selenium is an antioxidant that protects cells against damage caused by free radicals.
- It is essential for thyroid function regulation, and immune response.
- Daily requirements for an infant; 15-20 µg/day.
Sources
- Breast milk, infant formula, nuts, seafood (especially tuna, shrimp), eggs, whole grains.
Deficiency: Selenium deficiency is uncommon but can lead to:
- Impaired immune system.
- Muscle weakness and pain.
- Keshan disease (a potentially fatal form of cardiomyopathy due to selenium deficiency)
Excess
- Selenosis (High selenium level): Hair loss, brittle nails and skin lesions, gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting), fatigue and irritability.
- In extreme cases, it can cause nerve damage.

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Significance
- Zinc-containing enzymes are involved in nucleic acid and protein metabolism, so zinc deficiency affects rapidly growing cells.
- It also supports growth, taste, and smell, and plays a role in the development of the brain and body.
- Daily requirements for an infant; 2-3 mg/day.
Sources
- Breast milk, formula milk, meat, poultry, seafood (especially oysters), dairy products, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Deficiency
- Any condition that leads to zinc deficiency leads to the same clinical findings.
- Many disorders with malabsorption, such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn disease, will result in zinc deficiency.
- Zinc deficiency can lead to:
  - Poor growth and development, weakened immune system, delayed wound healing, diarrhea and poor appetite, skin rashes (often around the mouth, face, and anus)
  - Acrodermatitis Enteropathica
    - Definition: a disorder of impaired zinc uptake by the enterocytes.
    - Clinical Picture: poor growth, diarrhea, rash, hair loss, and hypogeusia (reduced taste).
    - The rash is characterized by eczematous lesions that are vesiculobullous and occur particularly around the mouth and anus.
      *DAD: triad of: dermatitis ( face,hands, and perianal area),alopecia, and diarrhea.
Excess: Zinc toxicity can result in:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, headaches and fatigue.
- Impaired immune function and copper absorption (leading to secondary copper deficiency)