a mini-review on importance and role of trace elements in the human organism

trace elements are minerals present in living tissues in minute quantities. some of them are known to be nutritionally essential and the remainder is considered to be nonessential. the body requires certain essential elements and their deficiency or excess may result in serious dysfunction of the body and even death in extreme cases.

the low intakes dietary of trace element produce changes in biochemical pathways that can raise the risk of diseases over time. on the other hand, excessive levels, a level higher than needed for biological functions, of these elements can be toxic for the body health. this review evaluates the role and importance of the essential trace element in the human organism. the potential importance of key essential trace elements; magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, cobalt, iodine, selenium, nickel, molybdenum and chromium; and nonessential trace such as cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury are discussed.