The elemental composition of a human body
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The human body is a miraculous, well-oiled and exceptionally complex machine. A multitude of functional parts are required to come together so that a person can live a healthy life, and every biological detail of our body, from the most mundane to the most magical, is driven by only 21 chemical elements.
Of the 118 elements of the Earth, only 21 of them are in the human body. Together, they form the mixture of divergent molecules that combine to form our DNA, cells, tissues, and organs.
From the data presented by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), in the previous infographic, we have broken down a human body into its elemental composition and the percentages in which they exist.
These 21 elements can be classified into three main blocks based on the amount found in a human body, the main building block (4 elements), essential minerals (8 elements), and trace elements (9 elements).
The four elementals: ingredients for life
Four elements, namely oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, are considered the most essential elements found in our body.
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body, accounting for approximately 61% of a person’s mass. Given that about 60-70% of the body is water, it is not surprising that oxygen and hydrogen are two of the most abundant chemical elements in the body. Along with carbon and nitrogen, these elements combine for 96% of body mass.
Here’s a look at the composition of the four elements of life:
ElementBody mass weight (kg) Percentage of body mass (%) Oxygen43 kg61.4% Carbon16 kg22.9% Hydrogen7.0 kg10.0% Nitrogen1.8 kg2.6%
The values are for an average human body of 70 kg.
Let’s take a look at how each of these four chemical elements contributes to the thriving functionality of our body:
Oxygen
Oxygen plays a critical role in the body’s metabolism, respiration, and cellular oxygenation. Oxygen is also found in all important organic molecules in the body, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids. It is a substantial component of everything from our cells and blood to our cerebral and spinal fluid.
Coal
Carbon is the most crucial structural element and the reason we are known as carbon-based life forms. It is the basic block needed to form proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Breaking the carbohydrate bonds of carbohydrates and proteins is our main energy source.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen, the most abundant chemical element found in the universe, is present in all body fluids, allowing it to transport and eliminate toxins and waste. With the help of hydrogen, the joints of our body remain lubricated and can perform their functions. Hydrogen is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to improve muscle function.
Nitrogen
An essential component of the amino acids used to build peptides and proteins is nitrogen. It is also an integral component of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, the chemical backbone of our genetic information and genealogy.
Essential and supplementary minerals
Essential minerals are important for your body to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals for various processes, such as keeping bones, muscles, heart, and brain functioning properly. Minerals also control the production of beneficial enzymes and hormones.
Minerals like calcium are an important component of our bones and are necessary for bone growth and development, along with muscle contractions. Phosphorus contributes to the strength of bones and teeth and is vital for metabolizing energy.
Here’s a look at the basic composition of essential minerals:
ElementWeight of body mass (g) Percentage of body mass (%) Calcium1000 g1.43% Phosphorus780 g 1.11% Potassium140 g0.20% Sulfur140 g0.20% Chlorine100 g0.14% Sodium95 g0.14% Magnesium 0, 14% I04.03% 2 g0.01%
The values are for an average human body of 70 kg.
Other macrominerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron and sodium are essential for cell-to-cell communications, such as electrical transmissions that generate nerve impulses or heart rhythms, and are needed to maintain thyroid health. and bones.
Excessive deficiency of any of these minerals can cause various disorders in the body. Most humans receive these minerals as part of their daily diet, including vegetables, meat, legumes, and fruits. In case of deficiencies, however, these minerals are also prescribed as supplements.
Biological composition of trace elements
Trace elements or trace elements are small amounts of minerals found in living tissues. Some of them are known to be nutritionally essential, while others may be considered non-essential. They are usually found in minimal amounts in our body and only represent 1% of our mass.
Among these are the most important trace elements such as zinc, copper, manganese and fluorine. Zinc acts as a primary responder against infections and therefore improves resistance to infections, while balancing the immune response.
Here is the distribution of trace elements in our body:
ElementBody mass weight (mg) Percentage of body mass (%) Fluor2600 mg0.00371% Zinc2300 mg0.00328% Copper72 mg0,00010% Iodine13 mg0.00002% Manganese12 mg0.00002% Molybdenum mg0.00002% Seli% 0, 00005 mg0.000005% Chromium6.6 mg0.00001% Cobalt1.5 mg0.000002%
The values are for an average human body of 70 kg.
Although only found in small amounts, copper is essential for forming red blood cells and keeping nerve cells healthy. It also helps form collagen, a crucial part of bones and connective tissue.
Even with constant research and studies conducted to thoroughly understand the uses and benefits of these trace elements, scientists and researchers are constantly making new discoveries.
For example, recent research shows that some of these trace elements could be used to cure and combat chronic and debilitating diseases ranging from ischemia to cancer, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.