Trace elements

Abstract

Certain elements, although present in very low concentrations in body tissues (traces) are essential nutrients. They were first called trace elements thanks to their presence in traces, quantities which were difficult to be detected with previous analytical techniques. Thus, for a very long time their presence had been ignored although they had been identified and detected. Great progress in their study has been made thanks to the evolution of analytical chemistry and the introduction of analytical methods of great precision and sensitivity, such as atomic absorption spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Trace elements, besides their very small concentrations, possess great influence in the function of living systems. They participate in cell metabolism as catalysts, activators, permanent components or co- factors of a great number of enzyme systems. Their lack or accumulation interact with normal individual metabolism. The deficiency or excess of a certain element is possibly related to nutritional or environmental factors or to a result of disease. The significance of detection of trace element concentration in body fluids is obvious and becomes greater as more studies are published.