Trace metal

Trace metals are the <a href="/facts/Metal/PT8hNX6R">metals</a> subset of <a href="/facts/Trace_element/fcIekKdo">trace elements</a>; that is, metals normally present in small but measurable amounts in <a href="/facts/Animal/4b8J33nd">animal</a> and <a href="/facts/Plant/X5BMDMvS">plant</a> cells and tissues. Some of these trace metals are a necessary part of <a href="/facts/Nutrition/SMJ3Dhfs">nutrition</a> and <a href="/facts/Physiology/fh25y2pQ">physiology</a>. Some <a href="/facts/Biometal_(biology)/c0wXJSDv">biometals</a> are trace metals. Ingestion of, or exposure to, excessive quantities can be <a href="/facts/Toxicity/qa96rs60">toxic</a>. However, insufficient plasma or tissue levels of certain trace metals can cause <a href="/facts/Pathology/U9b18LJG">pathology</a>, as is the case with iron.
Trace metals within the human body include <a href="/facts/Iron/QK1JYy8E">iron</a>, <a href="/facts/Lithium/7vXX6BWA">lithium</a>, <a href="/facts/Zinc/80b1qgk3">zinc</a>, <a href="/facts/Copper/I8PEE8oX">copper</a>, <a href="/facts/Chromium/6sVk6Uu7">chromium</a>, <a href="/facts/Nickel/KwMCHYRP">nickel</a>, <a href="/facts/Cobalt/gqhScEw4">cobalt</a>, <a href="/facts/Vanadium/UvKkKTSm">vanadium</a>, <a href="/facts/Molybdenum/RX6vp2bF">molybdenum</a>, <a href="/facts/Manganese/j9ELd1TL">manganese</a> and others.
Some of the trace metals are needed by living organisms to function properly and are depleted through the expenditure of energy by various metabolic processes of living organisms. They are replenished in animals through diet as well as environmental exposure, and in plants through the uptake of nutrients from the soil in which the plant grows. Human <a href="/facts/Vitamin/SnW0LYBL">vitamin</a> pills and plant <a href="/facts/Fertilizer/ysh3r6NJ">fertilizers</a> can be a source of trace metals.
Trace metals are sometimes referred to as trace elements, although the latter includes minerals and is a broader category. See also <a href="/facts/Dietary_mineral/ACv8EG7f">Dietary mineral</a>. Trace elements are required by the body for specific functions. Things such as vitamins, sports drinks, fresh fruits and vegetables are sources. Taken in excessive amounts, trace elements can cause problems. For example, fluorine is required for the formation of bones and enamel on teeth. However, when taken in an excessive amount can cause a disease called "Fluorosis', in which bone deformations and yellowing of teeth are seen. Fluorine can occur naturally in some areas in ground water.

Trace metal open-in-new

Trace metal