Researchers
have discovered that trace and essential minerals are needed to
properly maintain our biosystems and are a critical requirement
for long healthy life.
| Element |
% of Body |
Functional Significance |
| Oxygen |
65.0 |
A major contributor to both organic and inorganic
molecules; as a gas it is necessary for the
production of cellular energy |
| Carbon |
18.5 |
The main component of all organic molecules, i.e..
carbohy-drates, lipids. protests. and nucleic acids |
| Hydrogen |
10.0 |
Another
component of all organic molecules; in its ionic
form it is influential on the
pH of body fluids |
| Nitrogen |
3.0 |
An
important structural component of all genetic
material (nucleic acids) |
| Calcium |
1.2 |
A
building block of bones and teeth; its ionic form is
essential in muscle
contraction, impulse conduction in nerves, and blood
clotting. |
| Phosphorus |
1.0 |
Joins
calcium to contribute to bone crystalline structure;
present in nucleic acids and
ATP |
| Potassium |
0.4 |
Its
ionic form is the major cation (positive ions) in
cells; necessary for
conduction of nerve impulses and muscle contraction |
| Sulfur |
0.3 |
Important
component of muscle proteins |
| Sodium |
0.2 |
Ionic
form is the major positive ion found outside the
cell, necessary for water
balance, muscle contraction. and impulse conduction |
| Chlorine |
0.2 |
In
ionic form is the most abundant anion (negative ion)
outside the cell |
| Magnesium |
0.1 |
Found
in bone and plays an important assisting role in
many metabolic
reactions |
| Iodine |
0.1 |
Required
in thyroid hormones which are the bodies main metabolic hormones |
| Iron |
0.1 |
Basic
building block of the hemoglobin molecule which is
major transporter of
oxygen in body |
The following
elements are referred to as trace elements because they
are required in very minute amounts. They are, however,
important elements found as part of enzymes or are
required for enzyme activation.
| Chromium |
Promotes glucose
metabolism; helps regulate blood sugar |
| Cobalt |
Promotes normal
red-blood cell formation |
| Copper |
Promotes
normal red-blood cell formation; acts as a catalyst
in storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin;
promotes
connective tissue formation and
central nervous system function |
| Fluorine |
Prevents dental
caries |
| Manganese |
Promotes normal
growth and development; promotes cell function;
helps many body enzymes generate energy |
| Molybdenum |
Promotes normal
growth and development and cell function |
| Selenium |
Complements
vitamin E to act as an efficient anti-oxidant |
| Vanadium |
Plays role in
metabolism of bones and teeth |
| Zinc |
Maintains
normal taste and smell; aids wound healing; helps
synthesize DNA and RNA |
