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, arsenic 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)