VanadiumVanadium deficiencies for human are not known; however, deficiencies of this element in birds and animals result in growth retardation, deficient lipid metabolism, impairment of reproduction function, and bone growth retardation.
Vanadium stimulates glucose uptake into cells. Enhances glucose metabolism, and inhibits catecholamine induced lipolysis in adipose tissue.
Vanadium also stimulates glycogen synthesis in the liver and inhibits gluconeogenesis.
Food rich in vanadium include shellfish, mushrooms, ill seeds, black pepper and parsley; fresh fruits and vegetables contain little of this mineral.
SiliconSilicon is found in unpolished rice and grains and is quite prevalent in beer.
The role of in human nutrition may be important in cartilage and connective tissue as the human aorta, trachea, lungs and tendons are rich in silicon.
Very low intakes can impair bone growth and depress collagen synthesis.
TinTin occurring naturally in many tissues, has been found necessary for the growth of rats. It is believed essential to the structure of proteins and possibly other biological components.
As it present in most foods, tin deficiencies should not occur except possibly in foods that undergo refinement processes.
Tin is found in most tissues, except brain, and approximately 14 mg is present in adult humans.
ChromiumChromium plays a physiological role thought to be related to glucose metabolism – perhaps by enhancing the effectiveness of insulin.
It has been suggested that chromium may decrease hepatic extraction if insulin and improve glucose tolerance.
The kidney, followed by the spleen, liver, lungs, heart and skeletal muscle are the tissues with the greatest chromium concentrations.
While it is a normal body component, its content decreases with age.
Aluminum, boron and cadmiumAluminum, boron and cadmium are also found in trace amounts in the human body, but neither their roles nor the effects of their deficient or excessive amounts are known.
The precise biochemical role of boron, if any, is not known at the present time.
Aluminum salts are found in the abnormal nerve tangles in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease and it has been suggested that aluminum poisoning may a factor in the development of the disease, although there is little evidence.
Cadmium is a trace element found in the body in minute amounts, mainly in the kidneys and liver.
Nutritional requirements, of they exist are very low and easily met by the levels in food and drink.
Vanadium, Silicon, Tin, Chromium, Aluminum, Boron and Cadmium
