METALS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE

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Introduction

Metals in nutrition: Aluminium, Boron, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Vanadium, Zinc, Others, References.

Metals as drugs

Metals as diagnostic reagents

Metals as toxins

Conclusions

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METALS IN NUTRITION

INTRODUCTION

Metals in the diet

A variety of metals are found in a range of foods in the diet, and in this context, are termed minerals, along with some non-metals, such as iodine and fluorine. The minerals are grouped in to either:

• Macro minerals – those that are needed by the body in relatively large amounts (e.g. sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium) ¹
• Micro/trace minerals – those needed in small amounts (e.g. selenium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, arsenic, germanium, lithium, rubidium, tin) ¹.

Many of these minerals have been classed as essential elements, necessary for utilisation by the body to ensure good health, but the function of these minerals and their benefits to the body is still uncertain and has been widely speculated. This has given scope for arguing the justification of taking supplements.

Much research has been carried out, concerning the role of minerals in the body, but in many cases, difficulties in investigating their individual effects has been expressed because intake is often in combination with other vitamins and minerals, e.g. fruit and vegetables contain several minerals ². There is, however, strong evidence that supplementation of certain minerals would benefit those suffering from deficiency disorders. It is also important to note though that intake of minerals does not necessarily correlate with absorption and a balance must be obtained.

There are many suggested essential elements – here, we have highlighted some of those which have been most speculative, primarily the micro minerals.

Macro minerals

Macro minerals are present in virtually all cells of the body, maintaining general homeostasis and required for normal functioning. Acute imbalances of these minerals can be potentially fatal, although nutrition is rarely the cause of these cases. Diet can affect levels of macronutrients in the body, but effects are generally chronic, e.g. a high intake of sodium can lead to hypertension.

Micro minerals

Micro minerals contribute to good health if they originate from an organic source because they have essentially been processed. Plants take up minerals from the ground, digest them, making them ionic so that when consumed by humans, assimilation into the body occurs much more easily, and toxicity by accumulation does not occur. However, micro minerals from inorganic sources, such as heavy metals, can not be used by the body as they tend to build up in the tissues ³.

Homepage

Introduction

Metals in nutrition: Aluminium, Boron, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Vanadium, Zinc, Others, References.

Metals as drugs

Metals as diagnostic reagents

Metals as toxins

Conclusions

Credits and homepages of SG29 group members