Topic: Vitamins and minerals
Question: Discuss briefly on 1. Vitamin D resistant rickets 2. Chromium as a trace element
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- Vitamin D resistant rickets:
Vitamin D resistant rickets, also known as hypophosphatemic rickets, is a rare inherited disorder characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood and impaired bone mineralization. Despite adequate levels of vitamin D, patients with this condition are unable to maintain normal levels of phosphate, leading to rickets and bone deformities.
The most common cause of vitamin D resistant rickets is a mutation in the gene encoding for the renal sodium-phosphate cotransporter, which leads to decreased reabsorption of phosphate in the kidneys and subsequent hypophosphatemia. Other causes include mutations in the genes encoding for fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) or the vitamin D receptor (VDR).
Treatment of vitamin D resistant rickets typically involves oral phosphate supplementation and active vitamin D analogs, such as calcitriol. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct bone deformities.
- Chromium as a trace element:
Chromium is a trace element that is required in small amounts for normal human health. It plays a role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and is thought to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
The primary dietary sources of chromium include meat, fish, poultry, and whole grains. Chromium deficiency is rare, but may occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as malabsorption syndromes or long-term use of total parenteral nutrition.
Chromium supplements are sometimes used to treat or prevent chromium deficiency, as well as to improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of chromium supplements in these indications is limited and inconsistent.
High doses of chromium supplements can cause adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal disturbances, kidney damage, and liver dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to use chromium supplements only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
