What are the trace minerals that the body needs?

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Nutrition Blog

The term ‘trace minerals’ (or ‘trace elements’) refers to essential nutrients that your body needs to work correctly. However, you require much smaller amounts than vitamins and minerals. Trace elements include iodine and fluorine. These types of elements are found in small quantities in a variety of foods such as meat, fish, cereals, milk and dairy foods in addition to vegetables as well as nuts.

Trace minerals the body needs

Sulphur

Sulphur is in all living tissues. Also, sulphur is found in garlic, onions and broccoli.

Iron

Iron is essential to the make-up and functioning of the human body as it helps to transport oxygen to the cells that need it. This is why people who suffer from an iron deficiency often complain of being short of breath.

Chlorine

Chlorides (which are chlorine compounds) play an essential role in the electrical neutrality and pressure of extracellular fluids. They also are crucial in the acid-base balance of the body.

Cobalt

Cobalt is made use of, in the body, to assist with the absorption processing of vitamin B12. Also, the use of cobalt helps to treat conditions such as anaemia and certain infectious diseases. Cobalt also helps to repair myelin, which surrounds and protects nerve cells.

Copper

A lot of the copper in the body is in the following organs:

  • Liver,
  • Brain,
  • Heart,
  • Kidneys, and
  • Skeletal muscle.

Too much and too little copper has been linked to how the brain works. Copper deficiencies have been linked to the following diseases:

  • Menkes,
  • Wilson’s, and
  • Alzheimer’s.

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Zinc

Zinc helps the immune system ward off invading bacteria in addition to viruses. The body also requires zinc in the manufacture of proteins and DNA. When a woman is pregnant – or during infancy and childhood – the human body needs zinc to grow and develop properly. Zinc also assists in wound healing.

Manganese

Manganese is vital for bone health. This includes bone development and maintenance. When combined with calcium, zinc and copper, it has been seen that manganese supports bone mineral density. This function is particularly important in older adults.

Molybdenum

Molybdenum assist with the following processes in the body:

  • The production of energy production. This nutrient assists by breaking down some of the amino acids.
  • The protection of cells. This occurs by activating antioxidants and removing waste through the metabolism of toxins that can be excreted in the urine.

Iodine

The human body needs iodine. This is to make thyroid hormones.

Selenium

Selenium is a nutrient that the body requires to remain healthy. This nutrient is incredibly essential for reproduction, thyroid gland function, DNA production. In addition,  and protecting the body from damage that is caused by free radicals. Selenium is also vital in protecting the body from infection.

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