Trace elements in the human body: their role and significance. Table

To ensure optimal body activity, various minerals are present in it. They are divided into two categories. Macronutrients are present in a larger volume - 0.01%, and trace elements contain less than 0.001%. However, the latter, despite this concentration, are of particular value. Next, we will examine what trace elements are present in the human body, what it is and why they are needed.

General information

The role of trace elements in the human body is quite large. These compounds ensure the normal course of almost all biochemical processes. If the content of trace elements in the human body is within normal limits, then all systems will function stably. According to statistics, about two billion people on the planet suffer from a deficiency of these compounds. The lack of trace elements in the human body leads to mental retardation, blindness. Many infants with a deficiency of minerals die when they are barely born.

The value of trace elements in the human body

Compounds are primarily responsible for the formation and development of the central nervous system. The role of trace elements in the human body is also distributed to reduce the number of the most common intrauterine disorders during the formation of the cardiovascular system. Each compound has an effect on a specific area. Important is the importance of trace elements in the human body during the formation of protective forces. For example, in people who receive minerals in the required amount, many pathologies (intestinal infections, measles, flu and others) are much easier.

The main sources of minerals

Macro- and micronutrients, vitamins are present in products of animal and vegetable origin. In modern conditions, compounds can be synthesized in the laboratory. However, the penetration of minerals with plant or animal food brings much more benefits than the use of compounds obtained in the synthesis process. The main trace elements in the human body are bromine, boron, vanadium, iodine, iron, manganese, copper. Cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, selenium, chromium, fluorine, and zinc are involved in life support. Next, we consider in more detail how these microelements act in the human body and their importance for health.

Boron

This element is present in almost all human tissues and organs. Most boron is found in the bones of the skeleton, tooth enamel. The element has a beneficial effect on the whole organism, in general. Due to it, the work of the endocrine glands becomes more stable, the formation of the skeleton - more correct. In addition, the concentration of sex hormones increases, which is of particular importance for women during menopause. Boron is present in soy, buckwheat, corn, rice, beets, and legumes. With a lack of this element, hormonal disruptions are noted. In women, this is fraught with the development of such pathologies as osteoporosis, fibroids, cancer, erosion. There is a high risk of urolithiasis and joint disorders.

Bromine

This element affects the proper activity of the thyroid gland, participates in the functioning of the central nervous system, and enhances inhibition processes. For example, in a person taking a drug containing bromine, sex drive is reduced. This element is present in products such as nuts, legumes, and cereals. With a deficiency of bromine in the body, sleep is disturbed, the level of hemoglobin decreases.

Vanadium

This element is involved in the regulation of blood vessels and the heart. Vanadium helps stabilize cholesterol. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of atherosclerosis, and also reduces tumors and swelling. The element normalizes the liver and kidneys, improves vision. Vanadium is involved in the regulation of glucose and hemoglobin in the blood. The element is present in cereals, radishes, rice, potatoes. With a deficiency of vanadium, the concentration of cholesterol increases. This is fraught with the development of atherosclerosis and diabetes.

Iron

This trace element is one of the components of hemoglobin. Iron is responsible for the formation of blood cells and is involved in cellular respiration. This element is present in mustard, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate, sesame seeds, apples, hazelnuts, sea kale. The state of skin cells, the oral cavity, intestines and stomach depends on the concentration of iron. With a lack of this element, constant drowsiness, fatigue, deterioration of the condition of the nail plates are noted. The skin becomes dry, coarsens, often dries up in the mouth, anemia develops. In some cases, taste may change.

Iodine

This trace element is involved in the production of thyroxine - a thyroid hormone. Most of it (about 15 of 25 mg) of iodine is present in it. If this element is enough in the body, then the work of the prostate, ovaries, liver, kidneys will take place without any violations. Iodine is present in wheat, dairy products, champignons, algae, rye, beans, spinach. With an element deficiency, an increase in the thyroid gland (goiter), muscle weakness, a slowdown in the development of mental abilities, and degenerative changes are noted.

Cobalt

This element is an integral part of the process of blood cell formation. Cobalt is involved in the formation of vitamin B ₁₂ and the production of insulin. The element is present in legumes, soy, pear, salt, semolina. With cobalt deficiency anemia can begin, a person gets tired faster and wants to sleep all the time.

Manganese

This element is responsible for the state of bones, reproductive function, and is involved in the regulation of the central nervous system. Thanks to manganese, potency increases, under its influence, muscular reflexes are more actively manifested. The element helps to reduce nervous tension and irritation. Manganese is present in ginger, nuts. With an element deficiency, the process of ossification of the skeleton is disrupted, joints begin to deform.

Copper

In large quantities, this element is found in the liver. Copper is a component of melanin, is involved in the production of collagen and pigmentation. Using copper, the process of assimilation of iron is much better. The element is present in sunflower, seaweed, sesame, cocoa. With copper deficiency anemia, weight loss, alopecia are observed. The hemoglobin level also decreases, dermatoses of various nature begin to develop.

Molybdenum

This element is the basis of the enzyme involved in the utilization of iron. This process prevents the development of anemia. Molybdenum is present in salt, cereals, and legumes. The consequences of an element deficiency in the body are not well understood today.

Nickel

This trace element is involved in the formation of blood cells and their saturation with oxygen. Nickel also regulates fat metabolism, hormonal levels, lowers blood pressure. The element is present in corn, pear, soy, apples, lentils and other legumes.

Selenium

This element is an antioxidant. It inhibits the growth of abnormal cells, thereby preventing the onset and spread of cancer. Selenium protects the body from the negative effects of heavy metals. It is necessary for the production of proteins, normal and stable operation of the thyroid gland and pancreas. Selenium is present in the seminal fluid, and also supports reproductive function. A trace element is found in wheat and its germ, sunflower seeds. With its deficiency, the risk of developing allergies, dysbiosis, multiple sclerosis, muscle dystrophy, heart attack increases.

Fluorine

This element is involved in the formation of tooth enamel and tissue. The element is present in millet, nuts, pumpkin, raisins. With fluoride deficiency, permanent caries is observed.

Chromium

This trace element affects the accelerated formation of insulin. Chromium also improves carbohydrate metabolism. The trace element is present in beets, radishes, peaches, soybeans, mushrooms. In case of chromium deficiency, deterioration of the condition of hair, nails, and bones is noted.

Zinc

This trace element regulates many important processes in the body. For example, he is involved in metabolism, the work of the reproductive system, and the formation of blood cells. Zinc is present in meat, liver, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, buckwheat, peas and beans, wheat germ. With its deficiency, white spots on the nails appear , a person quickly gets tired, becomes susceptible to allergies and infectious pathologies.

Vitamin Compatibility

In the process of assimilation of trace elements, they interact with various compounds, including those coming from outside. In this case, various combinations take place. Some of them have beneficial effects on the state of health, others contribute to mutual destruction, and others are neutral in their influence on each other. In the table below, you can see compatible vitamins and minerals in the human body.

Table 1

The following table shows incompatible compounds and trace elements in the human body.

table 2

In the multivitamin and mineral complexes that exist today, certain combinations are present in certain proportions. If necessary, take this kind of drugs should first consult with a doctor and carefully read the annotation. Do not forget that the effect of trace elements on the human body can be not only positive. With illiterate medication, serious consequences are likely.