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The essential metals for humans: a brief overview.
Maria Antonietta Zoroddu1, Jan Aaseth2, Guido Crisponi3
1Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Italy.
Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry
|April 3, 2019
Summary
The human body requires essential metal elements for proper function. This overview highlights key metals like sodium (Na), potassium (K), and iron (Fe), emphasizing their crucial biological roles.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Trace Element Research
Background:
- Historically, research prioritized organic elements (C, N, O, H) over inorganic elements.
- Inorganic elements, particularly metals, were under-researched until the mid-20th century.
- The human body requires approximately 20 essential elements, with 10 being metals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of essential metal elements in the human body.
- To highlight the importance and current knowledge of these essential inorganic elements.
- To underscore the necessity of maintaining appropriate levels of these metals for life.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of essential inorganic elements.
- Synthesis of current scientific understanding on metal element essentiality.
- Overview of biological roles and requirements for specific metals.
Main Results:
- Identified key essential metals: Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Molybdenum (Mo).
- Established the critical role of these metals in various physiological functions.
- Noted that for every essential metal, there exists a non-essential counterpart in the body.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate amounts of essential metals are vital for human health and function.
- Continued research into inorganic elements is crucial for understanding human physiology.
- These essential metals are indispensable components for sustaining life.
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