Thechem

Gerlee Norial A1-1

Elements found in a Human Body

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 bone structure. 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 osmotic balance.

* Potassium (K)

Major electrolyte of blood and intracellular fluid. Required for maintenance of pH and osmotic balance.

* Chlorine (Cl)

Major electrolyte of blood and extracellular and 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 and biotin. 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 are consequences 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 of the 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 genetic disease hemochromatosis 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 the ferroxidase (ceruloplasmin?) system which regulates iron transport and facilitates release from storage. A structural element in the enzymes tyrosinase, cytochrome c oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, amine oxidases, and the antioxidant enzyme copper zinc superoxide dismutase. A copper deficiency can result in anemia from reduced...