Trace elements refer to chemicals that form parts of important enzymes found in the body of a living organism occurring in minute amounts, less than 0.1% by volume (Anonymous, 2015). Trace elements are available in the natural environment and play a critical role in the survival of all living organism. Individual elements attract molecules from the environment and convert them to various products needed by the organism. Examples of trace elements are iron, copper, zinc, manganese, boron, molybdenum, iodine, cobalt among others. However, the following paper analyzes only three of these trace elements namely, copper, iron, and zinc.
Copper
Introduction and absorption from the environment
Copper is an essential element found in the body of humans and animals that help in the production of different oxidize enzymes such as tyrosinase, dopamine beta-monooxygenase, lysyl oxidase, and ferroxidase. Scientists discovered copper in 400 B.C. and continue discovering new functions of the element in the human body. Copper enters the body of the animal through epithelial cells of the small intestine with the help of copper transporters found on the brush border service; a process referred to as intestinal absorption. The brush-boarder service facilitates the transportation of copper to the portal circulation where the liver absorbs it. After producing enzymes (named above), copper undergoes an excretion process where enters to the bile from the liver and passed as urine.
Importance
The antioxidant action of copper plays a critical role in the body. First, copper promotes the formation of bones, production of red blood cells, and development of connecting tissues. Second, copper enzymes produced by copper assist in the generation of energy from proteins, carbohydrates, and fat needed by the body during various activities like running. Finally, cuproenzymes produced by copper help in the formation of the nervous system and the brain.
Deficiency of copper in the body has significant negative health effects. First, low quantities of copper reduce the body defense towards infections. Second, it leads to the birth of premature and malnourished infants that later develop to adverse health conditions such as macrocytic anemia, hypochromic, bone abnormalities, and poor growth (Batra, 2016).
People acquire copper from different categories of food including beans, whole-grain cereals, organ meats, chocolate, and shellfish (Batra, 2016).
Chemical nature
Copper occurs naturally in the body of an organism in cuprous (Cu1+) or cupric (Cu2+). Most copper elements found in the body are in the cupric form.
Iron
Introduction and absorption from the environment
Iron act as part of molecules responsible for the transportation of the oxygen through the blood. It assists in the generation of the hemoglobin in animals and the production of chlorophyll in the plan. In animals, Iron absorption occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) track through the homeostatic mechanism. Animals absorb iron in two primary forms, heme, and non-heme through different mechanisms. The heme iron appears in the form of a protoporphyrin molecule and originates from myoglobin and hemoglobin found in poultry meat and fish. On the other hand, non-heme appears as inorganic iron salts found in plant-based diets, iron-fortified foods, and dairy products. Mucosal cells in the small intestine regulate iron absorption in the body (Forrest, 2003).
Importance
Iron takes part in numerous oxidation and reduction reactions occurring at molecular levels. It also helps in various metabolic processes. The most critical role of iron in the body of a human and animal is to transport oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Second, it assists in the production of red blood cells through hematopoiesis process. Hematopoiesis is responsible for the red pigment of the blood in animals and green coloration in plants. Third, iron helps in converting blood sugar to energy through metabolism; hence, releasing metabolic energy. Athletes use metabolic energy for optimum muscle functioning during exercise and when competing. Fourth, iron promotes the production of enzymes in the body, especially during the recovery process. Finally, iron plays a great role during pregnancy and in the life of an infant by boosting the immune system and helping in body growth.
Iron deficiency has severe negative consequences on living organisms. First, lack of iron in the body causes anemia. Second, inadequate or lack of iron in the body causes functional impairments that affect cognitive development. Iron helps in the transportation of oxygen and low levels of iron leads to inadequate oxygen in the brain and the nervous system that affect brain development. Finally, deficiency of iron among pregnant mothers has a severe outcome to both the mother and the child including maternal mortality, low birth weight, high risks of sepsis, and perinatal mortality (Abbaspour, Hurrell & Kelishadi, 2014). Iron comes from foods such as soybean flour, poultry, fish, beef, spinach, and beans.
Chemical nature
The chemical formula for iron is (Fe). Trace elements of iron occur in the soil where plants absorb them.
Zinc
Introduction and absorption from the environment
Zinc is the most essential of all trace elements mentioned. Zinc occurs as a nontoxic element and helps in the development of a healthy body. However, excessive intake associated with poor intake of supplements cause severe health problems. Zinc occurred in the environment through uptake by plants from the earth's crust and made available in surface water and rocks. Just like copper, zinc absorption takes place in the small intestine. The process uses a carrier-mediated component and a non-mediated diffusion component. The carrier-mediated component absorbs zinc during normal dietary intakes. Different factors like the concentration of zinc influence the amount of zinc intake in the body. The lower the zinc intake, the higher the efficiency and vise verse. On the other hand, the small intestines regulate excretion through intestinal and pancreatic secretions. More than 50 percent of the zinc entering the intestinal lumen comes from endogenous zinc secretion (Forrest, 2003).
Importance in the living organism
Zinc plays a critical role in promoting immunity and accelerating the healing process. It promotes the growth of the body, brain, and protects the skin. Additionally, zinc improves the immune functioning of the body by assisting in blood clotting. Other essential functions of zinc in the body include improving and maintaining a sense of smell and taste, eyesight, and take the production of different types of enzymes.
Lack of zinc in the organism’s body leads to severe health conditions. According to WHO (2016), low-income families and majority of people from the third world country suffer from zinc deficiency and experience numerous health conditions such as poor eyesight and low immunity. Low levels of zinc in the diet inhibit the body’s immune system. Other effects of zinc deficiency include loss of appetite, depressed growth, diarrhea, and cognitive functions. In plant, zinc deficiency causes chlorosis (yellowing of leaves).
Chemical nature
Zinc's chemical symbol is (Zn), with an atomic number of 30 and an atomic mass of 65.38 grams. It occurs in the earth’s crust with an estimate of 0.02 percent by volume (Advameg, Inc, 2016).
.
References
Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., & Kelishadi, R. (2014). Review on iron and its importance for
human health. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19(2), 164–174.
Advameg, Inc. (2016). Zinc, chemical element forum. Retrieved from
http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/T-Z/Zinc.html
Anonymous. (2015, April 1). Trace elements: Biology. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 12
June 2016 from http://www.britannica.com/science/trace-element
Batra, S. (2016). Healthy Eating: Importance of trace elements in the human body. SFGATE.
Retrieved June 12, 2016, from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/importance-trace-elements-human-body-4684.html
Forrest, N. (2003). Trace elements. Encyclopedia of food and culture. The Gale Group Inc.
WHO. (2016). Reducing Risks, Promoting Healthy Life. The world health report. Retrieved
