Microminerals and Toxic Heavy Metals

Abstract

Mineral elements with an RDA <150 mg/day are classified as microminerals. They contribute to good health if they originate from an organic source such as plants or animal foods because they have essentially been processed and are present in ionic forms that can be assimilated into the body more easily, and toxicity by accumulation does not occur. But microminerals from inorganic sources, such as heavy metals, cannot be used by the body as they tend to accumulate in the tissues leading to toxicities. Examples of essential microminerals include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, molybdenum, and selenium. Some microminerals like fluoride, nickel and chromium show severe toxicities at marginally high levels but are necessary in minute quantities. Some of the microminerals that are toxic include lead, mercury, aluminium, cadmium and arsenate. Ultra-trace minerals are the minerals that may be required in μg quantities per day. Many of these minerals are still under investigation with respect to their essentiality for human health. These include bromine, nickel, vanadium, arsenic, cadmium, and tin.