Trace elements in human nutrition.

Area of Science:

• Human nutrition
• Clinical medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Trace elements are essential for human health, yet their clinical significance was historically underestimated.
• Ubiquitous presence in nature led to a belief that deficiencies were rare, except in extreme circumstances.
• The increasing use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) has challenged this viewpoint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing clinical recognition of trace elements in human nutrition.
• To discuss factors that have made previous assumptions about trace element deficiencies untenable.
• To underscore the importance of identifying and understanding genetic disorders related to trace element metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical observations and nutritional science literature.
• Analysis of the impact of total parenteral nutrition on trace element status.
• Examination of genetic diseases affecting trace element metabolism.

Main Results:

• Clinical awareness of trace element roles in nutrition is increasing.
• Total parenteral nutrition practices necessitate a re-evaluation of trace element deficiency risks.
• Genetic disorders like Menkes' kinky hair syndrome and acrodermatitis enteropathica underscore the clinical relevance of trace elements.

Conclusions:

• Trace elements are critical for human health and nutrition.
• Further recognition and research into trace element metabolism and associated diseases are warranted.
• Clinicians must consider trace element status, especially in patients receiving TPN or with specific genetic conditions.