Mikroelemen

Mikroelemen, or trace elements, are mineral nutrients required by living organisms in very small amounts. In humans, daily needs are typically measured in micrograms to milligrams, depending on the element. Essential mikroelemen commonly include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iodine (I), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo) and cobalt (Co) as part of vitamin B12. Fluoride is discussed for dental health, though its essentiality is debated; nickel and silicon have less well-defined roles.

Functions: Mikroelemen mostly act as enzyme cofactors, participate in metabolism, support DNA synthesis, antioxidant defense, and hormone activity. They also contribute to structural components of proteins and to immune function.

Sources and bioavailability: They come from foods and water; plant content depends on soil, while animal products often provide elements more readily. Absorption can be hindered by phytates, oxalates, and high calcium; it can be enhanced by vitamin C for iron.

Deficiency and toxicity: Insufficiency of iron, iodine, or zinc explains common health problems such as anemia, goiter, and susceptibility to infections. Excess intake can cause toxicity, as with iron overload or fluoride-related dental or skeletal effects; some heavy metals are hazardous even at low levels.

Measurement and research: Mikroelemen are studied in nutrition, medicine, agriculture and environmental science. Analysis in foods, soils and tissues commonly uses atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).