Terms such as vitamins, minerals and trace elements are common when we talk about nutrition. The first two are better known, but what are trace elements? And why are they important? Defining it is complicated for many people who have a vague idea of its usefulness. However, they are essential for the normal functioning of the organism.
At Robis we have been manufacturing food supplements for 40 years, we know them well, and we are going to show you what trace elements are, as well as some of the reasons why they are so important for health and well-being.
Trace elements: what are they and what are they?
Find out what trace elements are
They are mineral substances that are naturally present in the body in a very small amount. Its presence in the human body is less than 1 mg/kg body weight. However, despite their reduced presence, they participate in a great diversity of vital processes and functions, being essential for a good state of health and fitness.
The word trace element comes from the Greek word “oligo” which means “little” and as we can see indicates the low quantity in the organism.
Trace elements are present in certain foods. But, as in the human body, also in very small quantities. For this reason, in many cases it is difficult to provide the organism with the variety and quantity of trace elements it needs through the diet. When this is not possible, the solution lies in taking robis.es food supplements containing them.
Essential and nonessential trace elements: what are they?
We have already seen what trace elements are. But are they all the same? The answer is no. They are classified into two different types.
- Essential, those that play an important role in many metabolic processes or reactions and therefore are naturally present in the human organism.
- Non-essential, those that are not naturally present in the human body.
In turn, essential trace elements are classified into two groups.
- Trace elements at risk of deficiency in humans. These are those collected in a large number of studies, in which it is indicated that there is a real risk of deficiency in the human organism. Something that negatively affects health and for which they are the most important to know in order to take measures and not to suffer from this. nutrient deficiency.
- Trace elements with low risk of deficiency. This group includes essential trace elements whose deficiency has not yet been clearly determined to affect human health.
Trace elements that are essential: get to know them
Let’s now see what they are and some examples of what the most important ones are for.
- Boron, helps the optimal metabolism of vitamins and minerals involved in bone development.
- Chromium, enhances the action of insulin by promoting the entry of glucose into the cells.
- Cobalt is the central component of vitamin B12, essential for the functioning of the brain and nervous system.
- Copper, immune system stimulant.
- Fluoride, which provides greater resistance to teeth and bones.
- Iron, which has the capacity to transport oxygen through the blood and whose deficiency causes iron deficiency anemia.
- Manganese, a recognized cell protector.
- Molybdenum, a key trace element for processing proteins and genetic material.
- Nickel, participates in the metabolism of carbohydrates favoring the absorption of iron to prevent anemia. It also stabilizes DNA and RNA.
- Selenium. Selenium dioxide is a suitable catalyst for the oxidation, hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of organic compounds.
- Silicon is important for the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland and reproduction. Protects the body against infections.
- Vanadium has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Iodine, essential to produce thyroid hormones.
- Zinc is involved in the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids and contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system.
What causes deficiencies of the essential trace elements most at risk of deficiency?
As we have seen above, not everyone has the same risk of default.
- Iron, its deficit causes anemia.
- Iodine, its lack can cause goiter and abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Fluoride, its deficit can cause osteoporosis and facilitates the appearance of caries.
- Selenium, its shortage can cause joint problems.
- Copper, whose deficiency can cause growth problems.
- Molybdenum, its deficit causes intellectual disability.
- Chromium, its lack increases the risk of diabetes.
- Zinc, its deficiency causes difficulties in healing and reasoning.
As you can see, trace elements are essential to feel good to the fullest. Do you want to stay up to date with all the news? You can follow us on social networks or subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know what natural products can do for you.
