About Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are inorganic elements that your body needs in very small quantities to maintain health and prevent disease. You can obtain trace minerals from foods and supplements. Whole foods are good sources of trace minerals, including fruits, vegetables from land and sea, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Consult your doctor about your need for trace minerals.

Types

The trace minerals your body needs for health include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. Your body may also need extremely small amounts of arsenic, boron, cadmium, lead, lithium, nickel, silicon, tin and vanadium. However, scientists do not know enough about the human needs or functions of trace minerals in this second group.

Functions

Trace minerals function primarily as catalysts in enzyme reactions within your body. These chemical reactions are involved with growth and development, synthesis of proteins, energy metabolism and healing wounds. Chromium enhances sugar metabolism and the ability of insulin to transport sugar from the blood into your cells. Cobalt is part of the structure of vitamin B-12 and plays a role in red cell formation and nerve function. Copper is needed for immune function, connective tissue formation, skeletal development and central nervous system processes. Fluoride enhances calcium absorption and prevents dental cavities and osteoporosis. Iodine is needed for thyroid function and to prevent goiter. Iron is part of hemoglobin, a substance in your blood that carries oxygen. Manganese is part of sugar and fat metabolism. Molybdenum enhances iron storage and energy metabolism. Zinc stimulates your immune system, heals wounds and is essential for your ability to taste and smell.

Deficiencies

Deficiencies of trace minerals could cause a cascade of health problems within your cells, tissues and organs. Certain enzymes that are dependent on trace minerals may not be able to properly function. Your immune system could become compromised and not be ale to protect against infections. Research by scientists at the University of California published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2003 reported that a common factor contributing to the occurrence of developmental abnormalities in infants born with birth defects, low birth weight or prematurely was suboptimal trace mineral nutrition during embryonic and fetal development. The research found that deficiencies of zinc and copper can cause adverse chemical changes inside cells that can result in structural changes or cellular death. Infants born with trace mineral deficiencies can be susceptible to increased risk of chronic diseases and death from chronic diseases later in life.

Excesses

Trace minerals can cause liver and kidney toxicities and other metabolic problems if you consume them in large quantities. Symptoms from excess intake of trace minerals include skin rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma in severe cases. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately and ask for blood and urine tests to determine your mineral levels.