Micronutrients
Trace elements are minerals essential to the life of an organism. They are present in your body naturally and also through the foods you eat.
Iodine
It is a component of thyroid hormones and dietary intake covers general requirements, except in remote areas of the sea There is a little iodine in some plants (garlic, onion, radishes, green beans). The recommendation for iodine is 150 micrograms per day. In France, the iodine must be added to table salt (it is added to milk in Great Britain).
It is a component of many enzymes and plays a role in protein synthesis. It is found in seafood, meat and egg yolk. Absorption is reduced by the natural acid, which are found in legumes and cereals.
Copper
It is found in shellfish, crustaceans and the liver. It is present in small amounts in the body, but is essential for protein synthesis and red blood cells. Deficiencies are very rare and occur mainly in infants.
It is present in whole grains, brazil nuts, as well as meat, fish and some fungi. The recommended dose is 200 micrograms per day. Still little known, selenium may play a role in the immune system and metabolism of free radicals. The intake of selenium would fight against cellular aging and cancer.
Fluor
Constituent of bones and tooth enamel, it is provided by water beverage. Supplementation with fluoride helps protect against cavities. Fluoride is added in 99% of toothpaste and 50% of salt sold in France. Supplementation of children with fluoride tablets is not necessary and is reserved for special cases. Too much fluoride can cause poisoning and dental fluorosis (white spots or brown teeth).
Manganese
It is present in cereals (wheat germ, oatmeal, legumes, nuts), some fruit (bananas, pineapples) and vegetables (cabbage, watercress, spinach), and in tea. The body contains a total of 20 mg of manganese, but it plays an important role in the metabolism of fats and sugars. He is also involved in the secretion of insulin in the synthesis of cholesterol in the joint cartilage and vessel walls. A manganese deficiency is responsible for stunted testicles and even infertility.
Chrome
It is found in the liver of veal, potatoes, green beans, broccoli, whole grains, asparagus, meat, brewer’s yeast. It is hard to miss, and daily needs are assessed at 50 micrograms. Chromium is involved in the metabolism of sugars and fats.
Molybdenum
Known toxic metal, molybdenum is nevertheless an essential trace element, at a dose of 30 to 50 micrograms per day. It occurs particularly in the celery, garlic, or papaya. It would be essential in the synthesis of certain amino acids.
