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Updated: May 16, 2026
12:22
Speciation and Bioavailability Measurements of Environmental Plutonium Using Diffusion in Thin Films
Published on: November 9, 2015
[Trace element issues in Switzerland and Europe]
1Service de médecine intensive adulte et brûlés, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. mette.berger@chuv.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|November 29, 2012
Summary
Essential trace elements like iron, iodine, selenium, and zinc are vital for health. Deficiencies cause health issues, but correct supplementation offers benefits, while excessive intake can be harmful.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Human Nutrition
- Trace Element Metabolism
Context:
- Essential trace elements (e.g., iron, iodine, selenium, zinc) are crucial inorganic substances.
- Deficiencies arise from dietary intake, soil content, malabsorption, and fluid losses.
- Vulnerable populations include children, pregnant/lactating women, the elderly, and critically ill patients.
Purpose:
- To review the biological and clinical alterations associated with essential trace element deficiencies.
- To highlight the benefits of physiological dose supplementation and the risks of supra-nutritional doses.
Summary:
- Insufficient intake of trace elements leads to predictable health problems.
- Supplementation at physiological levels improves immunity, cognition, and wound healing.
- Excessive intake can cause toxicity, leading to cancer and cardiovascular issues.
Impact:
- Understanding trace element roles is vital for public health and clinical nutrition.
- Appropriate supplementation strategies can mitigate deficiency-related health risks.
- Awareness of toxicity risks is crucial for safe supplementation practices.
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