Trace mineral
Trace mineral
Trace minerals, also known as trace elements, are a group of chemical elements that are required by living organisms in minute amounts for proper growth, development, and physiology. The term "trace" refers to the low quantity of these minerals that the body needs (less than 100 milligrams per day). They include elements like iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and iodine.
Pronunciation
- Trace mineral: /treɪs ˈmɪnərəl/
Etymology
The term "trace mineral" is derived from the English words "trace" and "mineral". "Trace" comes from the Old French tracer, which means "to track" or "to follow", and "mineral" comes from the Medieval Latin minerale, which means "something mined".
Related terms
- Micronutrient: A nutrient required in small quantities for normal growth and development.
- Macromineral: A mineral required in larger amounts for normal body function.
- Mineral deficiency: A condition where the concentration of any one of the minerals essential to human health is absent or in short supply in the body.
- Mineral supplement: A product intended to supplement the diet and provide nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that may be missing or may not be consumed in sufficient quantities in a person's diet.
Importance of Trace Minerals
Trace minerals play crucial roles in the body's metabolic processes. For instance, iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, including DNA synthesis and cell division. Copper aids in the production of red and white blood cells and triggers the release of iron to form hemoglobin.
Despite their necessity, the body cannot produce trace minerals, so they must be obtained through the diet. Foods rich in trace minerals include nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trace mineral
- Wikipedia's article - Trace mineral
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