What are trace minerals?

Trace minerals:

1. The minerals present in the living tissues in very small amounts are known as trace minerals.
2. Some trace minerals are nutritionally essential while some are non-essential.
3. Essential minerals: Of the mineral elements, the nutritionally important elements are chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, nickel, selenium, and zinc.
4. Non-essential minerals: Antimony, aluminum, bismuth, beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and thallium are not essential for humans

Examples of trace minerals are:

1. Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant. Selenium plays an important metabolic role as an antioxidant (it is known to prevent or reduce oxidative damage in the body). Chromium also contributes to metabolic function as it plays an important role in regulating blood sugar, fat, and protein levels.
2. Copper: Required for iron metabolism.
3. Manganese: Part of enzymes.
4. Fluorine: Required for formation of bones, and teeth.
5. Iron: It plays an important role in transporting oxygen around the body through the blood. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells) and is also associated with cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
6. Copper: Copper is the third most abundant trace element in the human body, works with iron to form healthy red blood cells, and is an important part of many enzymes involved in chemical reactions throughout the body.
7. Cobalt: Cobalt is generated in organic and inorganic forms. In its organic form, it forms an important component of vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) and contributes to the formation of amino acids and neurotransmitters. Conversely, the inorganic form of cobalt can be toxic to the human body.
8. Zinc: It contributes to many functions in the body, but is primarily associated with cell division, cell growth, tissue remodeling, and metabolic function. It also supports the immune system to fight viruses and bacteria.
9. Iodine: It is a very important element in the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are essential for the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body.
10. Molybdenum: it is required for the function of several enzymes involved in digestion and excretion.