Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Trace Mineral Affecting Glucose Tolerance
"Impaired glucose tolerance" is due to deficiency of:
- Chromium — Correct Answer
- Molybdenum
- Copper
- Zinc
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Chromium (Cr)
Chromium (Cr³⁺) is known as the "Glucose Tolerant Factor" (GTF) or "glucose tolerance factor". It is an essential trace mineral that potentiates the action of insulin, improving glucose uptake by cells. Deficiency leads to impaired glucose tolerance — a condition resembling Type 2 diabetes.
Chromium — Key Facts
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical form | Cr³⁺ (trivalent chromium) — biologically active form |
| Known as | "Glucose Tolerant Factor (GTF)" |
| Function | Potentiates insulin action → improves glucose uptake |
| Deficiency sign | Impaired glucose tolerance (insulin resistance) |
| Toxic form | Cr⁶⁺ (hexavalent) — carcinogenic |
Trace Mineral Functions — Summary
| Trace Mineral | Known As / Function |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | "Glucose Tolerant Factor" → insulin potentiation |
| Cobalt (Co) | Component of Vitamin B₁₂ (cyanocobalamin) |
| Selenium (Se) | Component of glutathione peroxidase |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | Component of xanthine oxidase; femoral head necrosis (deficiency) |
| Zinc (Zn) | Component of carbonic anhydrase, alkaline phosphatase |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Molybdenum → deficiency causes femoral head necrosis in chickens; toxicity causes Teartness/Peat scour in cattle.
- Copper → deficiency causes Swayback (neonatal ataxia), steely wool, falling disease; not glucose intolerance.
- Zinc → deficiency causes Parakeratosis in pigs, Hyperkeratosis in cattle, Swollen hock syndrome in chickens; not glucose intolerance.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
