Trace Elements

This chapter studies the trace elements: zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, and fluoride. Zinc has a widespread role in cellular metabolism; it also plays a role in stabilizing macromolecules and cellular membranes, and it can function as a site-specific antioxidant. Copper also has diverse functions including in erythropoiesis, connective tissue synthesis (via lysyl oxidase), oxidative phosphorylation, thermogenesis, and superoxide dismutation. The efficiency of copper absorption increases in cases of deficiency or when dietary copper intake is low. Iodine functions as an integral part of the thyroid hormones and selenium exerts its biological effects as a constituent of selenoproteins, which are involved in a wide variety of processes in the body. Finally, fluoride acts to reduce dental caries. Other trace elements include chromium, manganese, and molybdenum.