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Minerals that occur in tiny amounts or traces. They play a major role
in health, since even minute portions of them can powerfully affect
health. They are essential in the assimilation and utilization of
vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in digestion and provide the
catalyst for many hormones, enzymes and essential body functions and
reactions. they also aid in replacing electrolytes lost through heavy
perspiration or extended diarrhea and protects against toxic reaction and
heavy metal poisoning.
OTHER TRACE ELEMENTS
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Numerous mineral elements have been suggested to be
essential nutrients for humans based on a few gross observations in one
or two species of animals by one or two research groups. However, many
of the changes described as evidence for essentiality were not very
marked, were not necessarily indicative of a suboptimal biological
function, or were obtained under less than satisfactory experimental
conditions. Specific biochemical functions have not been defined for any
of these elements. Most likely none of these mineral elements, which
include the following, are of nutritional concern if intakes are near
those in a typical, well-balanced diet.
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