Trace element studies
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral_(nutrient)
Essential elements for life
Of the approximately 115 known elements, only the 19 highlighted in violet in Figure 1.8.11.8.1 are absolutely necessary in the human diet. These so-called essential elements are restricted to the first four rows of the periodic table, with only two or three exceptions (molybdenum, iodine, and possibly tin in the fifth row). Some other elements are essential for specific organisms. For example, boron is necessary for the growth of certain plants, bromine is widely distributed in marine organisms, and tungsten is necessary for some microorganisms.
How can toxic elements be essential for life? https://bre.is/3RHA7j1bH
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What elements are present in the human body?
Scientists believe that about 25 of the known elements are essential for life. Just four of them – carbon (C), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H) and nitrogen (N) – make up about 96% of the human body.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1728-the-essential-elements
A review on the role of essential trace elements in health and disease.
Elements are present in different forms in nature and these elements are very essential for the body to perform different functions. Trace elements are very important for cellular functions at biological, chemical and molecular level. These elements mediate vital biochemical reactions by acting as cofactors for many enzymes as well as acting as hubs to stabilize enzyme and protein structures. Some of the trace elements control important biological processes by binding to molecules at the receptor site of the cell membrane or by altering the membrane structure to prevent the entry of specific molecules into the cell. The functions of trace elements have a dual role. At normal levels, they are important for stabilization of cellular structures but in deficiency states they can stimulate alternate pathways and cause diseases. These trace elements have clinical importance and can be estimated using different analytical methods.
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Nutritional aspects of essential trace elements in oral health and diseases: a comprehensive review
The human body requires certain essential elements in small amounts and their absence or excess can lead to severe malfunction of the body and even death in extreme cases because these essential trace elements directly influence the metabolic and physiological processes of the body. Rapid urbanization and economic development have led to drastic changes in diets, with an increasing preference towards refined diets and nutrient-deficient junk food. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased vulnerability to various oral and systemic diseases, poor physical and mental growth, and reduced efficiency. Diet and nutrition affect oral health in various ways, influencing craniofacial development and the growth and maintenance of dental and oral soft tissues. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are treated with antioxidants containing essential trace elements such as selenium, but even increased dietary intake of trace elements such as copper could lead to oral submucous fibrosis. Deficiency or excess of other trace elements such as iodine, iron, zinc, etc., has a profound effect on the body and these conditions are often diagnosed through their early oral manifestations. This review evaluates the biological functions of important trace elements and their role in preserving oral health and the progression of various oral diseases.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4940574/
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Essential trace elements and their vital functions in the human body
Trace elements are naturally occurring inorganic substances required by humans in amounts <100 mg/day. They are essential components of biological structures and have an important effect and play a key role in a variety of processes necessary for life through vital biochemical reactions. Excessive levels, higher than those required for biological functions, of these elements can be toxic to the health of the organism. Therefore, it has been found that imbalances in optimal levels of trace elements can negatively affect biological processes and are associated with many fatal diseases, such as cancer. Recently, efforts have focused on trying to improve the understanding of the relationship between heavy metals, trace elements and their role in cancers. Many studies indicated the importance of specific elements that may be valuable and have prognostic significance in early diagnosis, prognosis and therapy evaluation of some diseases, especially various types of cancer.
http://ijacskros.com/5%20Volume%203%20Issue/10.22607IJACS.2017.503003.pdf
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ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENTS IN HUMAN HEALTH: A DOCTOR'S VIEW
Chemical elements both in free state and in a variety of chemical compounds are found in all cells and tissues of the human body. They are the so-called "building blocks", the most important catalysts of various biochemical reactions, essential and indispensable participants in the processes of growth and development, metabolism and adaptation to changing environmental conditions [1]. The physiological effects of elements depend on their dosage. Thus, toxic elements (arsenic, mercury, antimony, cadmium, etc.) in low concentrations can act on the body as medicines (producing a sanogenetic effect), while sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and some other elements in high concentrations can cause severe toxic effects.
