Elemnts In Humans

Elements in Animals and Humans
Animals and humans have similar evolutionary backgrounds. Specific elements play critical roles in the structures of proteins and the activities of enzymes. Thepurpose of this page is to outline some of the uses of elements in the structure of animals and humans and to illustrate why these elements are essential in the body and for optimal health.
Macro Elements* Calcium (Ca)
Structure of bone and teeth.
* Phosphorous (Ph)
Structure of bone and teeth. Required for ATP, the energy carrier in animals.
* Magnesium (Mg)
Important in bonestructure. Deficiency results in tetany (muscle spasms) and can lead to a calcium deficiency.
* Sodium (Na)
Major electrolyte of blood and extracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmoticbalance.
* Potassium (K)
Major electrolyte of blood and intracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmotic balance.
* Chlorine (Cl)
Major electrolyte of blood and extracellularand intracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmotic balance.
* Sulfur (S)
Element of the essential amino acids methionine and cysteine. Contained in the vitamins thiamin andbiotin. As part of glutathione it is required for detoxification. Poor growth due to reduced protein synthesis and lower glutathione levels potentially increasing oxidative or xenobiotic damage areconsequences of low sulfur and methionine and/or cysteine intake.
Micro Elements
* Iron (Fe)
Contained in hemoglobin and myoglobin which are required for oxygen transport in the body. Part ofthe cytochrome p450 family of enzymes. Anemia is the primary consequence of iron deficiency. Excess iron levels can enlarge the liver, may provoke diabetes and cardiac falurer. The geneticdiseasehemochromatosis results from excess iron absorption. Similar symptoms can be produced through excessive transfusions required for the treatment of other diseases.
* Copper (Cu)
Contained in enzymes of...