Minerals that occur in tiny amounts or traces. They play
a major role in health, since even minute portions of them can
powerfully affect health. They are essential in the assimilation and
utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in digestion and
provide the catalyst for many hormones, enzymes and essential body
functions and reactions. they also aid in replacing electrolytes lost
through heavy perspiration or extended diarrhea and protects against
toxic reaction and heavy metal poisoning.
OTHER TRACE ELEMENTS
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Numerous mineral elements have been suggested to be
essential nutrients for humans based on a few gross observations in
one or two species of animals by one or two research groups.
However, many of the changes described as evidence for essentiality
were not very marked, were not necessarily indicative of a
suboptimal biological function, or were obtained under less than
satisfactory experimental conditions. Specific biochemical functions
have not been defined for any of these elements. Most likely none of
these mineral elements, which include the following, are of
nutritional concern if intakes are near those in a typical,
well-balanced diet.
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