ESSENTIAL & TRACE IONS PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
REQUIREMENT
Iron (Fe) Plays a vital role in the transport
and storage of oxygen, in
oxidative metabolism, DNA
synthesis, and in cellular growth
and proliferation.
Copper (Cu) Provides the energy formed in
the respiratory chain. Also
needed for proper synthesis of
hemoglobin, elastin, and
collagen.
Zinc (Zn) An essential cofactor for many
enzymes active in metabolism
and signal transduction and in
proteins, such as transcription
factors that control gene
expression. This ion has
important functions in the
nervous, reproductive and
immune systems, and a central
role in development and
growth.
Chromium (Cr) It enhances the action of insulin,
so it's important for the
metabolism and storage of
glucose. Chromium also appears
to have a role in fat and protein
metabolism.
DIETARY SOURCES &
Dried beans, dried fruits, eggs
(especially egg yolks), iron-
fortified cereals, liver, lean red
meat (especially beef), oysters,
poultry, dark red meat.
The recommended dietary
allowance for adult males and
for women over 50 is 8
milligrams per day. For women
aged 19-50, the RDA is 18
milligrams per day.
Oysters and other shellfish,
whole grains, beans, nuts,
potatoes, and organ meats
(kidneys, liver) are good sources
of copper. Dark leafy greens,
dried fruits such as prunes,
cocoa, black pepper, and yeast.
The Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA) for adult men
and women is 900 μg/day.
Red meat, poultry, beans, nuts,
certain types of seafood (such as
crab and lobster), whole grains,
fortified breakfast cereals, and
dairy products.
The DV for zinc is 15 mg for
adults and children age 4 and
older.
Protein foods: seafood, lean
meats and poultry, eggs,
legumes (beans and peas), nuts,
seeds, and soy products. Lean
beef, oysters, eggs, and turkey
are sources of chromium.
DEFICIENCY & TOXICITY
Deficiency: Iron Deficiency
Anemia, fatigue, SOB
Toxicity: Iron Poisoning
Deficiency: fatigue, arthritis,
osteoporosis, paleness, anemia,
brittle bones
Toxicity: Copperiedus
Deficiency: Acrodermatitis
enteropathica (Inherited), Poor
Neurological function, weak
immunity, diarrhea, allergy,
leaky gut, acne.
Toxicity: Zinc Poisoning
Deficiency: problems in blood
sugar metabolism, anxiety,
fatigue
Toxicity: Chromium Poisoning
THERAPEUTIC USES
Therapeutic category: Vitamins
& Minerals (Pre & Post Natal) /
Antianemics
Ferrous Gluconate (Sangobion®)
Ferrous Sulfate (Feosol®)
Ferrous Fumarate (Slow-Fe®)
Therapeutic category: Minerals
and Electrolytes
Copper (ParaGard®)
Copper Gluconate (Copper®)
Copper Sulfate
Zinc Sulfate (PTE-4®)
-intravenous nutritional
products
Zinc Oxide (Balmex®)
- miscellaneous topical agents
Chromium Picolinate
(Chromium GTF®)- minerals and
electrolytes

Manganese (Mn) It aids in the formation of
connective tissue, bones, blood-
clotting factors, and sex
hormones and plays a role in fat
and carbohydrate metabolism,
calcium absorption, and blood
sugar regulation. Manganese is
also necessary for normal brain
and nerve function.
Selenium (Se) Making special proteins, called
antioxidant enzymes, which play
a role in preventing cell damage.
Sulfur (S) Important part of several amino
acids (the building blocks of
protein), especially methionine
and cysteine. It helps the body
The daily recommended intake
is between 50 micrograms (mcg)
and 200 mcg for adults and
teenagers. The recommended
dietary allowance of chromium
increases with age.
Whole grains, nuts, leafy
vegetables, and teas.
Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA) of 2.5 to 3
mg/day.
Protein foods: seafood, lean
meats and poultry, eggs,
legumes (beans and peas), nuts,
seeds, and soy products.
Pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish,
shellfish, and eggs.
The safe upper limit for
selenium is 400 micrograms a
day in adults.
Eggs, meat, poultry and fish.
Daily intake is usually 800 to 900
milligrams of sulfur per day.
Deficiency: impaired glucose Therapeutic category: minerals
tolerance, altered carbohydrate and electrolytes
and fat metabolism, skeletal
abnormalities, bone Manganese Sulfate (Multitrace-
demineralization and 4 Concentrate®)
malformation, stunted growth, Manganese Chloride
decreased serum cholesterol
levels, skin rash and elevated
blood calcium.
Toxicity: Manganism (s/sx:
tremors, difficulty walking, and
facial muscle spasms)
Deficiency: Selenium deficiency Therapeutic category: Vitamins
in combination with and Minerals
Coxsackievirus infection can
lead to Keshan disease, which is Selenium Sulfide (Alfaz®)
potentially fatal. Selenium Selenium Disulfide (Selsun®)
deficiency also contributes
(along with iodine deficiency) to
Kashin-Beck disease. The
primary symptom of Keshan
disease is myocardial necrosis,
leading to weakening of the
heart.
Toxicity: nausea; vomiting; nail
discoloration, brittleness, and
loss; hair loss; fatigue;
irritability; and foul breath odor
(often described as “garlic
breath”).
Deficiency: reduced protein Therapeutic category:
synthesis, pain and Miscellaneous topical agents
inflammation associated with
 resist bacteria, cleanses the
blood, and protects the
protoplasm of cells. Important
in enzyme reactions and protein
synthesis.
Iodine (I2) Responsible for a number of
important functions in the body
including growth, metabolism,
reproduction, nerve and muscle
function, regulation of body
temperature and blood cell
production.
Cobalt (Co) The primary function of cobalt
in humans is based on its role in
cobalamin or Vitamin B12. The
production of red blood cells,
and to ensure the health of the
nervous system.
Molybdenum (Mo) Functions as an electron carrier
in those enzymes that catalyze
the reduction of nitrogen and
nitrate; also for metabolism.
Dairy products, seafood, meat,
some breads, eggs, sea
vegetables, cranberries.
Recommended daily intake of
iodine is 150 micrograms (mcg)
per day for most adults, and
about twice that for pregnant
and nursing women.
Green leafy vegetables, meat,
liver, milk, oysters and clams.
No recommended dosage has
been set, but 8 mcg is suggested
as the amount that is needed in
the diet.
Legumes, such as beans, lentils,
and peas, are the richest
sources of molybdenum.
The Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA) for adult men
and women is 45 μg/day. The
average dietary intake of
molybdenum by adult men and
women is 109 and 76 μg/day,
respectively.
various muscle and skeletal Sulfacetamide/Sulfur Cream
disorders. (Avar®)
Toxicity: eye irritation, dermal
toxicity and inhalation hazards
Deficiency: Lethargy and Therapeutic category:
tiredness, muscular weakness Antiseptic and germicides,
and constant fatigue. Topical Disinfection,
Feeling cold (even on warm Supplements
days), difficulty concentrating,
slowed mental processes and Iodine (Iodine Mild®, Iodine
poor memory, unusual weight Tincture Decolorized®, Iodine
gain. Tincture®, Strong Iodine®.
Iodoral®)
Toxicity: Acute iodine poisoning
include burning of the mouth, Povidone Iodine (Betadine
throat, and stomach, fever, Ophthalmic Solution®)
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a -ophthalmic anti-infectives
weak pulse, cyanosis, and coma.
Deficiency: Pernicious Anemia, Therapeutic category: Vitamins
symptoms can include and Minerals
numbness, fatigue and tingling
in your hand and feet. Cobalt (Converge®, Neurobion®)
Toxicity: Cobalt Poisoning,
Cardiomyopathy (a problem
where your heart becomes big
and floppy and has problems
pumping blood)
Deafness, nerve problems,
ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Thickening of the blood.
Thyroid problems.
Deficiency: The deficiency Therapeutic category:
caused intellectual disability, Supplement
seizures, opisthotonus, and lens
dislocation.
Molybdenum (Renopro®)
Toxicity: gout-like symptoms
such as pain and swelling of
joints. Other symptoms of
molybdenum toxicity include
dizziness, tiredness, and rashes.