Trace elements

Trace elements are also called micronutrients and microelements. They occur in the body in minute amounts (traces) of less than 50 mg per kilo of body weight. Trace elements are chemical elements and are vital for metabolism. A deficiency of trace elements causes severe physiological damage in plants, animals and humans. Any deficiencies can be detected by means of a blood test. The group of microelements includes tin, zinc, vanadium, silicon, selenium, molybdenum, manganese, copper, cobalt, iodine, fluorine, iron and chromium.

Trace elements are supplied to the body with drinks and food. The quantities of micronutrients contained in foodstuffs are determined, among other things, by the regional occurrence in drinking water and in arable soil.

Tin fulfils numerous functions in the human body. This microelement is involved in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Furthermore, tin is involved in the body’s own oxidation and excretion processes, in human hormone metabolism and in protein metabolism. Tin is mainly found in the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs and the liver.

Zinc must be supplied to the body daily with food. It promotes fertility, hair growth, wound healing, binds heavy metals, strengthens the immune system, protects cells from free radicals and is needed to activate more than 160 hormones and enzymes.

Vanadium is essential for sugar and fat metabolism and the mineralisation of bones.

Silicon is a component of the protein structure. This trace element supports wound healing, stimulates the immune system and the growth of hair and nails. Silicon is also essential for bone structure, elasticity and strength of the tissues.

Selenium increases fertility, strengthens the immune system, provides protection against environmental toxins, heavy metals and free radicals and is involved in the activation of enzymes.

Molybdenum prevents the development of allergies, stimulates the immune defence, activates numerous enzymes and reduces the uric acid concentration in the body to protect against the development of gout.

Manganese also protects against environmental toxins, stimulates the liver, helps maintain the strength of connective tissue, teeth and bones and is involved in the activation of coenzymes and enzymes.

Copper is essential for nerve fibre production, wound healing, strengthens the immune defence and is involved in oxygen transport, pigment formation and the formation of red blood cells.

Cobalt promotes the formation of red blood cells and is a component of numerous enzymes.

Iodine regulates metabolism and is a component of thyroid hormones. It also plays a role in sexual reproduction.

Fluorine inhibits enzymes, prevents tooth decay and stabilises teeth and bones.

Iron is essential for brain performance, energy utilisation, oxygen supply, haemoglobin formation and is contained in enzymes.

Chromium regulates the insulin level and is important for adult-onset diabetes.