Which mineral is crucial for the formation of haemoglobin

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2024

Explanation

Iron is an essential structural component of the heme group in hemoglobin.
Each hemoglobin molecule contains four heme groups, and each heme group has an iron atom at its center.
This iron atom is what reversibly binds to oxygen, allowing red blood cells to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.
A deficiency in iron directly impairs hemoglobin synthesis, leading to iron-deficiency anemia, a common nutritional disorder.

Option A: Zinc is a cofactor for over 300 enzymes and is vital for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, but it is not a structural part of the hemoglobin molecule.
Option B: Calcium's primary roles are in bone and teeth mineralization, muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission, and blood clotting. It is not involved in hemoglobin formation.
Option C: Magnesium is a crucial cofactor for many enzymatic reactions, particularly those involving ATP, and is important for neuromuscular function and bone structure. It does not play a direct role in hemoglobin synthesis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Role of minerals in hemoglobin synthesis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently monitor for signs of iron-deficiency anemia (e.g., pallor, fatigue, tachycardia, shortness of breath) and check hemoglobin/hematocrit lab values.
Patient education is a key nursing role, involving teaching about iron-rich foods (red meat, spinach, legumes) and proper administration of iron supplements (e.g., with Vitamin C to enhance absorption, and warning about black stools).
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, they often have anemia not just from iron deficiency but also from decreased erythropoietin production. The treatment would then involve both iron supplementation and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from the subject of Biochemistry/Nutrition.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'mineral' and 'haemoglobin formation'.
Recall the basic structure of the hemoglobin molecule. It is a protein ('globin') with a non-protein component ('heme').
Remember that the 'heme' group is a complex ring structure with a specific metal ion at its center. The question is asking for this mineral.
Evaluate the options provided. While Zinc, Calcium, and Magnesium are all essential minerals with vital functions, only Iron is the central atom in the heme group, which is directly responsible for binding and transporting oxygen.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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