Trace element

A trace element is a chemical element of a minute quantity, a trace amount, especially used in referring to a micronutrient,[1][2] but is also used to refer to minor elements in the composition of a rock, or other chemical substance.

In nutrition, trace elements are classified into two groups: essential trace elements, and non-essential trace elements. Essential trace elements are needed for many physiological and biochemical processes in both plants and animals. Not only do trace elements play a role in biological processes but they also serve as catalysts to engage in redox – oxidation and reduction mechanisms.[3] Trace elements of some heavy metals have a biological role as essential micronutrients.

  1. ^ Bhattacharya, Preeti Tomar; Misra, Satya Ranjan; Hussain, Mohsina (2016-06-28). "Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review". Scientifica. 2016: 1–12. doi:10.1155/2016/5464373. PMC 4940574. PMID 27433374.
  2. ^ "Definition of Trace element". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  3. ^ "What are Trace Elements ?" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-02-18. Retrieved 2020-12-06.