Micronutrients

Trace elements are minerals essential to the life of an organism. They are present in your body naturally and also through the foods you eat.

Iodine

It is a component of thyroid hormones and food intake usually covers the purposes, except in remote areas of the sea is found a bit of iodine in some plants (garlic, onion, radishes, green beans). The recommendation of iodine is 150 micrograms per day. In France, iodine must be added to table salt (it is added to milk in Great Britain).

Zinc

It is a component of many enzymes and plays a role in protein synthesis. It is found in seafood, meat and egg yolk. Its absorption is reduced by physical acid, which is found in legumes and cereals.

Copper

It is found in shellfish, crustaceans and the liver. It is present in small amounts in the body but is essential for protein synthesis and red blood cells. Deficiencies are very rare and occur mainly in infants.

Selenium

It is present in whole grains, brazil nuts, as well as in meat, fish and some fungi. The recommended dose is 200 micrograms per day. Still little known, selenium may play a role in immune and metabolism of free radicals. The intake of selenium would fight against cellular aging and cancer.

Fluorine

Constituent of bone and tooth enamel, it is provided by water beverages. Supplementation with fluoride helps protect against cavities. Fluoride is added in 99% of toothpaste and 50% of salt sold in France. Supplementation of children with fluoride tablets is not necessary and is reserved for special cases. Too much fluoride can cause poisoning and dental fluorosis (white spots or brown spots on teeth).

Manganese

It is present in cereals (wheat germ, oatmeal, legumes, nuts), some fruits (bananas, pineapples) and vegetables (cabbage, watercress, spinach) and in tea. The body contains a total of 20 mg of manganese, but it plays an important role in the metabolism of fats and sugars. He is also involved in the secretion of insulin in the synthesis of cholesterol in the joint cartilage and vessel walls. A manganese deficiency is blamed for stunting the testicles and even infertility.

Chrome

It is found in the liver of veal, potatoes, green beans, broccoli, whole grains, asparagus, meat, brewer's yeast. It is hard to miss, and daily needs are assessed at 50 micrograms. Chromium is involved in the metabolism of sugars and fats.

Molybdenum

Known toxic metal, molybdenum is, however, a trace element essential to the dose of 30 to 50 micrograms per day. It occurs particularly in the celery, garlic, or papaya. It would be essential in the synthesis of certain amino acids.