The scientific and practical importance of trace elements

Abstract

E. J. Underwood's discovery of the essentially of cobalt for ruminant animals is the classic example of the vast benefits to agricultural production of research into the nutritional significance of trace elements. The extension of this discovery, culminating in the identification of vitamin B12, resulted in similar benefits for human health, notably the conquest of pernicious anaemia. Since then, additional essential trace elements have been discovered. Deficiency or imbalance, whether occurring naturally or from human activities, has been shown to present significant problems for the health of man and animals. Essentiality has been proved for a rapidly growing range of 'new' trace elements, whose biochemical mechanisms of action and implications for human health are unknown. In spite of an increasing knowledge of significant changes in the exposure of man and animals to trace elements from diet and environment, the concern of nutrition policy planners for inorganic micro-nutrients remains overshadowed by that for the bulk components of the diet. The application of existing knowledge of trace element nutrition to problems of human and animal health will depend on a clear understanding of events that link molecular, biochemical mechanisms to the clinical manifestation of deficiencies.

Minerals in plant food: effect of agricultural practices and role in human health. A review

“…Its function is closely related to the physiological role of vitamin B12 in the production and maintenance of red blood cells. Moreover, Co stimulates appetite, and promotes growth and energy release (Kräutler, 2005;Mertz, 1981). Excessive intake of Co may damage the heart muscles, elevate the haemoglobin concentration, cause congestive heart failure and may cause damage to the thyroid gland, reducing its activity (Barceloux, 1999).…”

Isolation and Characterization of a Mn(II)-Oxidizing Bacillus Strain from the Demosponge Suberites domuncula

“…The primmorph slices were stained with hematoxylin/eosin in order to visualize and contrast the canal-like structures [25]. With this procedure no bacteria could be identified in primmorphs which had not been inoculated with BAC-SubDo-03 (Figure 11E).…”

Trace elements in arable agriculture

“…We know much about the most basic processes, such as complex formation, or the physical chemistry of the ions, but we are a very long way from integrating these various factors into a full understanding of the whole process of a single trace element deficiency. Mertz (1981) states: '. .…”