Trace elements are essential for human health and found in soil, plants, and wildlife. Some heavy metals, like mercury and lead, are included in this family, but too much can be toxic. A balanced diet is the best source, but fish is the only natural food source that accounts for all 72 essential minerals.
By definition, trace elements are chemical components that occur naturally in soil, plants and wildlife in minute concentrations. Also known as trace minerals, they are required for optimal development and metabolic functioning of all living things. For humans, proper cellular metabolism, effective immune function, and healthy reproduction depend on a total of 72 of these elements. Unfortunately, even though the agricultural industry takes steps to ensure that the soil has adequate nutrients, the concentration of trace elements in some crops has somewhat decreased. In fact, the only natural food source that still accounts for all of these essential minerals is fish.
Because trace elements provide nutritional value, they are sometimes referred to as micronutrients. It may come as a surprise to some people, however, that some heavy metals are included as a sub-class of this family. This includes materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium and even arsenic, all of which can be found in vitamin supplements manufactured for human consumption. While these are, in fact, required for proper nutrition in almost microscopic quantities, too much can be toxic. That is why there is so much concern about the danger posed by environmental pollutants being introduced into waterways and building up in the fatty tissue of marine life.
The health properties of trace minerals vary widely and some are not yet understood. Some appear to play a role in the prevention of certain diseases and other health-related conditions. For example, chromium is involved in the regulation of glucose and fat lipid metabolism and is the primary constituent of glucose tolerance factor (GTF) and is required to discourage insulin resistance associated with diabetes. Chromium is also thought to be a weight loss aid since it promotes the burning of fat for energy rather than its storage.
Several trace elements are essential for energy production, hormone regulation and neurotransmissions in the brain. These include copper, iodine and iron. Others, like selenium and magnesium, are needed for the body to use nutrients like calcium and vitamin C. Zinc, in particular, can be considered the workhorse of essential trace elements since it is involved in more than 200 enzymatic functions in the body. A less familiar member of this group, molybdenum, has been linked to the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
In general, following a balanced diet ensures that a person gets enough of these minerals without the need for dietary supplements. Foods rich in these micronutrients include milk, organ meats, beef, poultry, legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits and whole grains. The exceptions are fluoride and iodine, which are usually obtained by drinking fluoridated water and iodized salt.
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