Ultratrace element

In biochemistry, an ultratrace element is a chemical element that normally comprises less than one microgram per gram of a given organism (i.e. less than 0.0001% by weight), but which plays a significant role in its metabolism.

Possible ultratrace elements in humans include boron, silicon, nickel, and vanadium.[1]

Other possible ultratrace elements in other organisms include bromine, cadmium, fluorine, lead, lithium, and tin.[2]

References

  1. ↑ J. Mann & A. S. Truswell (editors). Essentials of Human Nutrition (3rd edition, 2007). Oxford: Oxford University Press
  2. ↑ Nielsen, Forrest H., Ultratrace Elements in Nutrition, Annual Review of Nutrition Vol. 4: 21-41 (Volume publication date July 1984)


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