Trace elements

Role of Trace Elements

They play an important role in the regulation of acid-base balance and pH value, as well as for bone and tooth formation and regulate blood pressure, nerve and muscle function. Unfortunately, the body cannot produce trace elements on its own. Only through various foods such as vegetables, fruits or meat, can these be absorbed and utilized.

Trace elements (or also called microelements) are present in very low concentrations in the body. The medical definition of trace elements defines this amount as less than 0.1 percent of one's own body mass. Despite this very small quantity, its significance in the body is essential. This means that if too little of it is consumed, deficiency symptoms can occur, which can manifest themselves in various ways. For example, iron deficiency can lead to anemia and cause corresponding symptoms such as weakness, brittle nails, low blood pressure etc.

Nonspecific Symptoms

Often only nonspecific symptoms appear at first, which do not easily point to a cause. However, it should be noted that the body is able to compensate for a temporary deficiency in trace elements by reducing excretion and increasing absorption from the intestine. Only with long-term malnutrition can diseases occur, such as a weakened immune system. An excessive intake of trace elements can also have negative effects on the body because some trace elements act toxic at higher concentrations and cause corresponding symptoms.

Here are some examples of trace elements and their occurrence in various foods and their significance and function in the body.

• Arsenic cereal products
• Chromium Brewer's yeast, liver
• Iron meat, beans, peas Component of many enzymes, e.g., hemoglobin
• Fluoride Water, black tea, seafood promotes the deposition of calcium compounds in hard tissues (teeth, bones)
• Iodine Seafood, iodized table salt Component of thyroid hormones
• Cobalt Spinach, tomatoes, fish Component of Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
• Copper shellfish, cocoa Component of numerous redox enzymes
• Lithium Eggs, milk, butter, meat
• Manganese green leafy vegetables, oatmeal Activator and component of numerous enzymes
• Selenium fish and meat
• Zinc oysters, eggs, oatmeal Component of many enzymes (alcohol breakdown)

Overview of Trace Elements