Tag: Trace element

An estimated 2 billion people worldwide are deficient in zinc, underscoring its critical role in human health. So, what is the main purpose of zinc? This essential trace mineral is vital for numerous biological processes, from fortifying the immune system to supporting cell division and repair.

As the second most abundant trace mineral in the human body after iron, zinc is an essential nutrient present in every cell and is vital for countless biological processes. This remarkable element is not only indispensable for human health but also possesses unique chemical properties that make it a cornerstone of modern industry.

In 2014, a landmark study published in the journal *Cell* established for the first time that bromine is an essential trace element for all animals, including humans. This groundbreaking research revealed that the element plays a vital role in the formation of strong and resilient tissues, particularly through its involvement in creating a stable collagen structure.

With an estimated one billion people worldwide affected by potential selenium deficiency, the element presents a stark paradox. This article explores the question: is selenium widespread yet scarce, essential yet toxic, and what does this mean for human and environmental health?

Trace amounts of lithium are present in all human tissues, but its nutritional classification can be confusing. While not considered a vitamin, this element is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and water. The key question, "Is lithium a vitamin or mineral?", requires understanding its unique biochemical role and the distinction between nutritional and pharmacological doses.

In 2014, researchers at Vanderbilt University published a study in the journal *Cell* identifying bromine as the 28th essential element for animal life, a finding that profoundly shifted scientific understanding. Before this, bromine was primarily known for its toxic forms and industrial uses, with its nutritional role largely unconfirmed. This discovery revealed that ionic bromide is a crucial cofactor for an enzyme vital for tissue development.

While the Tolerable Upper Intake Level for selenium is 400 mcg per day for adults, a narrower safety window exists between beneficial and toxic doses. For this reason, many ask, is 200 mcg of selenium a day too much? This article explores the factors determining whether this dose is appropriate for you, weighing the potential benefits against the risks.

Manganese, a chemical element with the symbol Mn and atomic number 25, is a grayish-white, brittle metal. While it is a critical component of many geological minerals, the element itself is not a mineral under the strict geological definition.

An estimated one-third of the world's population has insufficient iodine intake, making deficiency a significant global health concern. Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed in small amounts for proper physiological function, especially regarding the thyroid gland.

According to the National Institutes of Health, zinc is the second-most abundant trace mineral in the human body after iron, present in every cell. But is zinc a trace element? This essential nutrient plays countless critical roles in maintaining overall health, even though our bodies only require it in small amounts.