By definition, all of the major minerals and essential trace elements are necessary for health, and the range of these elements implies that they are part of all aspects of cellular function.
Essential trace elements of the human body include zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo). The body needs trace minerals in very small amounts.
Although these elements account for only 0.02% of the total body weight, they play significant roles, e.g., as active centres of enzymes or as trace bioactive substances.
For example, trace minerals zinc. Zinc is part of many enzymes; needed for making protein and genetic material; has a function in taste perception, wound healing, normal fetal development, production of sperm, normal growth and sexual maturation, immune system health.
Copper helps turn food into energy. Important for certain brain and nerve functions. Helps human body pull iron out of food to use.
While chromium works closely with insulin to regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.
A major outcome of trace element deficiencies is reduced activity of the concerned enzymes. However, since each trace element is related to so many enzymes, deficiency of a single trace element is often not associated with any specific clinical manifestations, but rather manifests as a combination of various symptoms.
Trace mineral imbalances can result from hereditary disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis, Wilson disease), kidney dialysis, parenteral nutrition, restrictive diets prescribed for people with inborn errors of metabolism, or various popular diet plans.
The importance of trace minerals
