Minerals that make up less than 0.01% of the human body weight are called trace elements. They are essential for life, but are only needed by the body in very small amounts - namely trace amounts - every day.

The total amount of all trace elements present in the body is only about 10 grams. We must supply our body with trace elements every day through food or in the form of dietary supplements.

The most important essential trace elements include:

• chrome
• Cobalt
• iron
• fluoride
• iodine
• copper
• manganese
• molybdenum
• selenium
• silicon
• zinc

The essential trace elements have important functions. They are particularly important as components of enzymes and hormones for the normal course of many biochemical processes.

Non-essential trace elements – i.e. trace elements that are not vital for humans – include aluminium, barium, bismuth, etc.