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Trace elements in man
Summary
Essential trace elements like zinc (Zn) are vital for human health, but dietary changes have reduced their bioavailability. Studying ancient remains can reveal the health impacts of these shifts.
Area of Science:
- Human nutrition
- Trace element metabolism
- Environmental health
Background:
- Most elements essential for animals are likely essential for humans, though established for only five (I, Fe, Cu, Co, Zn).
- The link between soil element deficiency and human health is complex, unlike direct effects in grazing animals.
- Zinc (Zn) is a highly versatile trace element with significant implications in human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex relationship between soil element deficiencies and human health.
- To highlight the importance of trace elements, particularly zinc (Zn), in human nutrition and health.
- To discuss the toxic effects of essential element excesses and the need for balanced diets, focusing on Cu, Zn, and Fe.
Main Methods:
- Review of established essential elements in animal and human physiology.
- Discussion of the complexity of soil-to-human element transfer.
- Analysis of the impact of modern dietary shifts on trace element bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Essential elements for animals are generally essential for humans, with clinical deficiency symptoms often similar.
- Excesses of essential elements (trace and major) can cause toxicity; balanced intake of transitional elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) is crucial.
- Non-essential trace elements like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) pose significant health risks.
Conclusions:
- Modern diets, reliant on cereals and grassland products, have decreased trace element bioavailability.
- Studying trace metals (Zn, Cu) in skeletal and dental remains from archaeological sites can assess the health consequences of dietary changes.
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