Trace elements (synonym: microelements) are essential (vital) inorganic nutrients that the organism cannot produce itself; they must be supplied with food. In contrast to the bulk elements (minerals), they occur in the human body in mass proportions of less than 50 mg/kg.
The most important essential trace elements include:
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Iron
- Fluorine
- Iodine
- Copper
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Selenium
- Silicon
- Zinc
Non-essential trace elements, that is, for humans not vital trace elements are, for example, aluminum, barium, bismuth, bromine, germanium, etc.The essential trace elements have important tasks mainly as a component of enzymes and hormones and are significant for the normal course of many biochemical processes.
Important note: According to the data available for the Federal Republic of Germany on the supply situation (see e.g. National Consumption Study II) with trace elements, the supply of women is not optimal for iron and iodine.Attention: Before iron supplementation, the so-called serum ferritin level should also be determined by the doctor. Available data on the supply situation of men indicate a less than optimal intake for iodine and zinc across all age groups, whereas only a very slight undersupply was found for iron.
