Trace Elements and Minerals: Classification, Deficiency, Therapeutic Uses, and Adverse Effects

Trace Elements

Iron (Fe)

• Deficiency: Iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, pallor.
• Therapeutic Uses: Treatment for iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements (ferrous sulfate).
• Adverse Effects: Iron toxicity, gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, hemochromatosis.

Zinc (Zn)

• Deficiency: Growth retardation, impaired immune function, hair loss.
• Therapeutic Uses: Immune support, wound healing, treatment of acne, diarrhea.
• Adverse Effects: Nausea, vomiting, copper deficiency, anemia.

Copper (Cu)

• Deficiency: Anemia, neutropenia, Menkes disease.
• Therapeutic Uses: Copper supplementation in Menkes disease, Wilson's disease.
• Adverse Effects: Copper toxicity, abdominal pain, liver damage, neurological issues.

Iodine (I)

• Deficiency: Goiter, hypothyroidism, cretinism.
• Therapeutic Uses: Prevention of goiter, thyroid disorders, treatment for hyperthyroidism (radioactive iodine).
• Adverse Effects: Thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism).

Selenium (Se)

• Deficiency: Keshan disease, impaired immune function.
• Therapeutic Uses: Antioxidant effects, cancer prevention, thyroid health.
• Adverse Effects: Selenosis, garlic-like breath, gastrointestinal issues, hair loss.

Manganese (Mn)

• Deficiency: Weak bones, growth impairment, glucose metabolism disorders.
• Therapeutic Uses: Manganese supplementation, antioxidant defense.
• Adverse Effects: Neurotoxicity (manganism), Parkinson-like symptoms.

Major Minerals

Calcium (Ca)

• Deficiency: Osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle cramps.
• Therapeutic Uses: Bone health, treatment of osteoporosis, hypocalcemia, rickets.
• Adverse Effects: Kidney stones, constipation, hypercalcemia.

Magnesium (Mg)

• Deficiency: Muscle cramps, arrhythmias, seizures.
• Therapeutic Uses: Magnesium supplementation for cramps, pre-eclampsia, heart health.
• Adverse Effects: Diarrhea, hypotension, respiratory depression.

Phosphorus (P)

• Deficiency: Weak bones, fatigue, muscle weakness.
• Therapeutic Uses: Phosphorus supplementation for hypophosphatemia.
• Adverse Effects: Hyperphosphatemia, calcium deposits in soft tissues.

Potassium (K)

• Deficiency: Muscle weakness, arrhythmias, paralysis.
• Therapeutic Uses: Potassium supplementation for hypokalemia.
• Adverse Effects: Hyperkalemia, arrhythmias.

Sodium (Na)

• Deficiency: Hyponatremia, confusion, seizures.
• Therapeutic Uses: Sodium chloride supplementation for fluid balance, hyponatremia.
• Adverse Effects: Hypertension, fluid retention, excess sodium intake.