engleski

Minerals and physiology (From essentiality to toxicity: a review of important minerals and their major impact on the human body’s physiology)

Mineral elements (minerals) are inorganic elements that are neither produced nor metabolized in the body. They are attained mostly from the diet. According to the amounts present in and needed daily by the body, minerals are divided in macroelements (100 mg to grams), trace elements (1-100 mg) and ultra trace amounts (micrograms). Further classifications of minerals are according to major impact on the human’s body. In general, essentiality and toxicity of minerals are arbitrary delineated and they reflect state of existing knowledge in the field. Although every element has specific and selective regulative role in physiological mechanisms, it never acts solely but interact with other elements in the body. These aspects are evidenced by recent results including own research data. To avoid either deficiency or toxic effects, elements that are considered essential must have a range of intakes adequate enough to meet nutrition requirements and be safe from toxicity.

macroelements; microelements; element interaction; deficiency; essentiality; toxicity

Keynote lecture and paper upon invitation