Trace elements – vital for the body

Trace elements are an important part of the human body. Trace elements are all minerals that make up less than 0.01% of a person’s body weight. A regular supply of these minerals can prevent a blood deficiency or metabolic disorder. Some minerals are essential for humans, i.e. necessary for survival. Trace elements are important for the formation of enzymes, a property that makes them indispensable for metabolism.

The trace element zinc, which is essential for fat and protein metabolism, plays a key role in the human metabolism. The trace element iron is of utmost importance in blood formation, as is copper, which enables iron to be absorbed into the blood in the first place.

A further listing of these and other minerals and their function can be found here.

Where do the trace elements come from?

Just like all important nutrients, humans also absorb minerals through their diet. The mineral zinc, for example, is found in foods such as cheese, peanuts and beef. Manganese is also found in nuts, whole grain products and black tea, among other things.

Iron is particularly abundant in sauerkraut and spinach. The extremely important trace element copper is also found in whole grain products and nuts. It can be concluded that whole grain products and nuts are a main source of trace elements. However, essential trace elements are also found in meat, soy products, and even in beer.

Risks and side effects

Like all foods, trace elements should not be used excessively. Thus, the intake of two grams of zinc can lead to poisoning. The trace element arsenic, which has made a name for itself through its toxic effect in crime novels and films, is only dangerous to humans in the course of a severe overdose. Arsenic occurs naturally in foods, such as seafood, and is absolutely harmless to humans at normal doses.