| Trace metals form an essential part of the diet, helping to service essential and metabolic functions of the body. Of these metals, four – iron, zinc, copper and selenium – have special nutritional importance. All four function in important enzyme systems controlling, for example, oxidation, electron transfer, protein and nucleic acid synthesis. They are vital in maintaining cell membrane function, acting as anti-oxidants and in helping to control the bio-availability of essential nutrients. Iron also plays a key role in oxygen transport in the form of haemoglobin.
Bio-availability of these trace elements depends on absorption and utilization within the gut, as described in this article |