Trace elements
Trace Elements
Trace elements (pronunciation: /treɪs ˈelɪmənts/), also known as micro-nutrients or trace minerals, are essential minerals that are required in minute amounts by an organism for proper physiological and biochemical functioning.
Etymology
The term "trace elements" originates from the fact that these elements are present in very small or "trace" amounts in the body.
Definition
Trace elements are a group of chemical elements that are needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism. In humans, these include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, fluoride, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, and others.
Function
Trace elements play crucial roles in various biological processes. They are involved in the formation of bones and blood cells, enzyme synthesis, hormone production, and maintenance of skin integrity, among other functions.
Related Terms
- Macro-nutrients: These are nutrients required in larger amounts than trace elements. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Vitamins: These are organic compounds required in small quantities for normal growth and metabolism. Some vitamins are also considered trace elements.
- Mineral deficiency: This is a state of the body where the concentration of a certain mineral is not sufficient for normal physiological function. Trace element deficiencies can lead to various health problems.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trace elements
- Wikipedia's article - Trace elements
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski