Table 1.
Metal elements and their effects on human body [127].
| Element | Symbol | Atomic percent (%) | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Elements | |||
| Sodium | Na | 0.037 | Regulation of osmotic pressure, “sodium pump” action, acid-base balance, and transmission of neural information |
| Potassium | K | 0.033 | Prosthetic groups that stabilize internal cell structure and activate certain internal enzymes |
| Magnesium | Mg | 0.007 | Internal structure stabilizers and cofactors of intracellular enzymes, assisting in DNA replication and protein biosynthesis, maintaining bone mechanical strength |
| Calcium | Ca | 0.22 | One of the main components of bones, teeth, and cell walls; maintaining the permeability of blood capillary and cytomembrane and the excitability of neuromuscular |
| Trace Elements | |||
| Iron | Fe | 6.7 × 10−4 | Hemoglobin, a component of myoglobin, aiding mitochondrial electron to transfer and oxidative phosphorylation |
| Copper | Cu | 1.04 × 10−5 | An important cofactor for cytochrome oxidases, an important cofactor for the cross-linking effect of elastic fibers and collagen in connective tissue, having an antibacterial function |
| Zinc | Zn | 3.1 × 10−4 | The main component of zincase, aiding in forming collagen and healing wounds |
| Manganese | Mn | 1.5 × 10−6 | Assisting in the synthesis of important factors such as mucopolysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide, glycoprotein, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and maintains the integrity of connective tissue structure and function |
| Cobalt | Co | 3.0 × 10−7 | One of the essential components of vitamin B12, stimulating the production of RBC, promoting the release of bradykinin to expand blood vessels |
| Molybdenum | Mo | 4.5 × 10−8 | Participating in the mutual reaction between sulfur, iron and copper, is the main component of molybdenum-containing enzymes |
| Chromium | Cr | 8.9 × 10−8 | Maintaining normal glucose tolerance and blood lipid metabolism |
| Tin | Sn | 6.0 × 10−7 | Promoting body growth and development |
| Vanadium | V | 1.2 × 10−8 | Large doses of vanadium can inhibit ATP hydrolase, thereby affecting the metabolism of bone and sugar |
| Nickel | Ni | 1.5 × 10−6 | Composition of Cu2 + binding site and albumin amino-terminal binding site |