TRACE ELEMENTS.

Facilitator; Secilia H. Mroso, BScN.

SUB ENABLING LEARNING OUTCOME.

 Utilizethe knowledge of essential trace

elements in diagnosing and preventing
diseases.
SESSION TITLE.

 TRACE ELEMENTS.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

At the end of this session every student should be able to;

 List essential trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, selenium,
chromium, cobalt, iodine, manganese and molybdenum).
 Identify food sources of essential trace elements.
 Describe site of and factors influencing absorption of essential trace
elements.
 Describe the metabolic roles of essential trace elements.
 Outline diseases conditions resulting from inadequate and excessive
intake of essential trace elements.
INTRODUCTION.

 A trace element, also called minor element, is a chemical element

 whose concentration (or other measure of amount) is very low (a
"trace amount"). They are classified into two groups: essential and
non-essential. Essential trace elements are needed for many
physiological and biochemical processes in both plants and animals.
Not only do trace elements play a role in biological processes but they
also serve as catalysts to engage in oxidation and reduction
mechanisms.
LIST OF ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS.
ZINC

 Zincis a trace element known to be an

essential nutrient for life. It functions as a
cofactor for numerous enzymes, including
those involved in DNA and RNA replication
and protein synthesis.
 IRON.


 Iron is the most abundant essential trace
element in the human body. is a major
component of hemoglobin, a type of protein
in red blood cells that carries oxygen from
your lungs to all parts of the body. Without
enough iron, there aren't enough red blood cells
to transport oxygen, which leads to fatigue.
COPPER.

 Copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal found in

all living organisms in the oxidized Cu(II) and
reduced Cu(I) states. Copper is an essential trace
mineral necessary for survival. It is found in all
body tissues and plays a role in making red blood
cells and maintaining nerve cells and the
immune system. It also helps the body form
collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in
energy production.
SELENIUM.

 Selenium is a trace mineral, which means that the

body only needs a small amount of it. It is found
naturally in foods or as a supplement. Selenium is a
nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy.
Selenium is important for reproduction, thyroid gland
function, DNA production, and protecting the body
from damage caused by free radicals and from
infection.
CHROMIUM.

 Chromium is an essential mineral that the body needs in

trace amounts. It is naturally present in a wide variety of
foods, though only in small amounts, and is also available
as a supplement. Chromium enhances the action of the
hormone insulin, that plays a role in the body to regulate
blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone your body uses to
change sugar, starches, and other food into the energy
you need for daily activities.
COBALT.

 Cobalt is an essential trace element for

the human body and can occur in organic
and inorganic forms. In organic form, it
forms an integral part of vitamin B12 and
has a substantial role in the formation of
amino acids and neurotransmitters.
IODINE.

 Iodine is an essential trace mineral not made by the body so must be

obtained by food or supplements. It is found naturally in some foods
and is added to supplements and some salt seasonings. Iodine is a
vital trace element required at all stages of life especially during
formative years. It is important to sustain the daily functions of
human body and deficiency or excess can have significant adverse
effects on the body.
MANGANESE.

 Manganese is an essential trace element that is

naturally present in many foods and available as a
dietary supplement. Manganese is a coenzyme
that assists many enzymes involved in breaking
down carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol
acts as cofactor for many enzymes, including
manganese superoxide dismutase, arginase, and
pyruvate carboxylase [1,2].
MOLYBDENUM.

 Molybdenum is an essential trace

element that is naturally present in many
foods and is also available as a dietary
supplement. Your body uses molybdenum
to process proteins and genetic material
like DNA. Molybdenum also helps break
down drugs and toxic substances that enter
the body.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT….
 Shellfish
Shellfish, including oysters, clams, and mussels, are concentrated sources of
minerals and packed with selenium, zinc, copper, and iron.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT….
 Cruciferous vegetables Eating cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower,
broccoli, Swiss chard, and Brussels sprouts, cabbage is associated with
numerous health benefits, including the reduction of chronic disease. These
health benefits are directly related to the nutrient density of these veggies,
including their impressive concentration of minerals.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT….
 Beans are known for being packed with fiber and protein, but they also
happen to be an abundant source of minerals, including magnesium, iron,
manganese, copper, and zinc.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT….
 Avocados
Avocados are creamy fruits packed with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and
minerals. They’re especially rich in magnesium, potassium, manganese, and
copper.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT….
 Cocoa
 Adding cocoa to smoothies, munching on a piece of dark chocolate, or
sprinkling your yogurt with cacao nibs are satisfying ways to increase your
mineral intake. Although they’re not often associated with being nutrient
dense, cocoa products are loaded with minerals such as copper, magnesium
and manganese.
FOOD SOURCES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT….
 Yogurt and cheese
Adding high quality dairy like yogurt and cheese to your diet is a good way to
increase your intake of calcium, as well as other minerals like potassium,
phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. However, many people are intolerant to dairy
products.
SITE FOR ABSORPTION OF ESSENTIAL
TRACE ELEMENTS.
 The vast bulk of mineral absorption occurs
in the small intestine.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ABSORPTION OF
ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS.
 Structure of food: Plant foods and other foods that take a longer
time to digest, such as corn or meat, have lower bioavailability than
nutrients found in foods with simpler tissue structures. Plant cells’
tough cell walls can make nutrients less accessible or useful when
consumed. These foods must be broken down or cooked in order for
certain micronutrients to be absorbed. 
 Age: Because gastric acid levels naturally fall as we age, younger
people have higher mineral bioavailability than older people. This
means that as we age, our ability to absorb micronutrients declines.
 Chemical form: Heme iron is comparatively more easily absorbed
than non-heme iron. Heme iron can be found in products such as
meat, fish, and poultry, whereas non-heme iron can be found in
plants. Because non-heme iron in plants is less accessible, iron intake
recommendations for vegetarians are higher than for meat-eaters.
 Interactions with substances in foods: Antioxidants such as phytates
and polyphenols can bind to specific minerals in the gastrointestinal
tract and inhibit absorption. Phytates are located in the outer layer
of plants and can bind with minerals such as zinc, calcium, and iron,
preventing absorption in the intestines. Polyphenols are plant
compounds that can affect mineral absorption in the intestine.
 Medications: Long-term drug usage may change nutrient
requirements. Anticonvulsants and/or Phenobarbital for epilepsy,
antacids, anti-inflammatory medicines, and laxatives can all
interfere with calcium and vitamin D absorption, affecting bone
health.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS.
Manganese
 helps the body to form connective tissue, bones, blood-
clotting factors, and sex hormones.
 It plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism,
calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
 Manganese is also necessary for normal brain and nerve
function. It is a component of the antioxidant SOD
(superoxide dismutase), which helps fight free radicals.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...
COPPER
 Copper containing enzyme cytochrome c oxidase plays a vital role
in energy production during aerobic respiration.
 It is also a component of lysyl oxidase which takes part in
the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Therefore, Copper is essential
for maintaining the strength of the skin, blood vessels, and epithelial
and connective tissue throughout the body.
 Copper-containing enzyme tyrosinase converts tyrosine to
melanin which gives color to the skin.
 Copper is also required to produce the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...
SELENIUM
 is an antioxidant that protects the body from the
damaging effect of free radicals. Its low levels in the
human body have been linked to increased risk of
various diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
 Selenium is important for a healthy immune system,
where it enhances T-lymphocyte immune responses.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...

CHROMIUM
 The biological function of Chromium is mainly
associated with insulin function. Inorganic
Chromium compounds display little or no
insulin potentiating activity but upon
conversion to organic Chromium complexes
acquire significant insulin potentiating
activity.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...
IRON.
 Ironis an essential element for almost all living organisms as it
participates in a wide variety of metabolic processes,
including oxygen transport, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
synthesis, and electron transport.

MOLYBDENUM.
Molybdenum acts as cofactor in different body metabolic
reactions.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...

IODINE
 Iodineis an essential component of thyroid
hormones, that is, tetraiodothyronine (T4 or
thyroxine) and triiodothyronine (T3) which
play an important role in maintaining
metabolic processes and general growth
and development of the body.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...
COBALT
 Cobalt is the central part of Vitamin B12 chemical
structure which plays a critical role in the formation of
erythrocytes (red blood cells). Apart from red blood cell
production, Vitamin B12 also plays a significant role in
nerve repair and regeneration.
 Cobalt also plays an integral role in generating
neurotransmitters, which are requisite for the proper
operation of an organism.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...
ZINC
 As a component of nearly 300 specific enzymes,
Zn is involved in the metabolism of proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, and energy production.
 Itis also an essential trace element for a healthy
immune system and plays an important role in
wound healing.
 Zinc is also required for insulin activity.
METABOLIC ROLES OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS CONT...
 DISEASE CONDITIONS RESULTING FROM
INADEQUATE INTAKE OF ESSENTIAL TRACE
ELEMENTS.
ANAEMIA(IRON DEFICIENCY).

 Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where a lack of iron

in the body leads to a reduction in the number of red
blood cells. Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which
help store and carry oxygen in the blood.
ZINC DEFICIENCY.
COPPER DEFICIENCY.
SELENIUM DEFICIENCY
CHROMIUM DEFICIENCY.
COBALT DEFICIENCY.

 Visual disturbance
 Diarrhea
 Cardiovascular diseases.
 Fatigue
 incotinence.
IODINE DEFICIENCY.
MOLYBDENUM DEFICIENCY

 Molybdenum Deficiency
The absence of molybdopterin impairs the
function of enzymes that metabolize sulfite,
leading to encephalopathy and seizures ; the
neurological damage is severe and usually
leads to death within days after birth .
MANGANESE DEFICIENCY.

  manganese deficiency might cause bone

demineralization and poor growth in
children; skin rashes, hair depigmentation,
decreased serum cholesterol, and increased
alkaline phosphatase activity in men; and
altered mood and increased premenstrual
pain in women.
READING ASSIGNMENT.

 Outlinediseases conditions resulting from

excessive intake of essential trace
elements. (In group of five discuss ).
 KEY POINTS.

 Trace elements (or trace metals) are minerals

present in living tissues in small amounts. Some of
them are known to be nutritionally essential, and
the remainder are considered to be nonessential.
 Essentialtrace elements of the human body
include zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se),
chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iodine (I), manga-
nese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo).
EVALUATION.

 Identify
food sources of essential trace
elements.
 Describethe metabolic roles of essential
trace elements.
ANY QUESTION??????
REFERENCES.

 Micheal J.G, Marinos. E, Olie.L, & Julie.D, (2005) Clinical nutrition Vol 4 of
the Nutrition society Textbook(pp)Wiley, Y.K.Joshi,(2008) Basics of Clinical
Nutrition, 2nd Ed, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers Pvt. Limited
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ACTIVE
LISTENING.