This chapter studies the trace elements: zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, and fluoride. Zinc has a widespread role in cellular metabolism; it also plays a role in stabilizing macromolecules and cellular membranes, and it can function as a site-specific antioxidant. Copper also has diverse functions including in erythropoiesis, connective tissue synthesis (via lysyl oxidase), oxidative phosphorylation, thermogenesis, and superoxide dismutation. The efficiency of copper absorption increases in cases of deficiency or when dietary copper intake is low. Iodine functions as an integral part of the thyroid hormones and selenium exerts its biological effects as a constituent of selenoproteins, which are involved in a wide variety of processes in the body. Finally, fluoride acts to reduce dental caries. Other trace elements include chromium, manganese, and molybdenum.
Chapter
Trace Elements
Samir Samman
Chapter
Minerals and trace elements
Ruan Elliott and Paul Sharp
This chapter discusses key minerals and trace elements essential to several important biochemical and physiological functions in the body. It primarily focuses on dietary sources of the various minerals and their homeostatic regulation in the body. Calcium and phosphorus are correlated due to their close interrelationship in maintaining bone health, while iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium hold essential roles in human metabolism. The chapter explains the major metabolic functions of the minerals and trace elements and the consequences of deficiency and excess of individual elements. It then looks into current methodologies used to assess the body status of minerals and trace elements and the basis of the current dietary recommendations for intakes of micronutrients.
