Most common elements in the human body
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Major Elements in the Human Body: Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen
The vast majority of the human body is made up of just four elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Together, these account for nearly 97% of the body’s mass, with oxygen being the most abundant (about 61%), followed by carbon (23%), hydrogen (10%), and nitrogen (3%) 21. These elements are fundamental components of water, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which are the main building blocks of tissues and organs 12.
Bulk Elements: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, and Chlorine
Beyond the four primary elements, several other elements are present in significant amounts and are essential for life. These include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chlorine. When combined with the four main elements, these bulk elements make up almost all of the remaining 3% of the body’s mass 21. Calcium and phosphorus are especially important for bone structure, while potassium, sodium, and chlorine are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function 15.
Essential Trace Elements: Iron, Zinc, Copper, and More
In addition to the bulk elements, the human body requires a variety of trace elements, which are present in much smaller quantities but are still vital for health. These include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum, selenium, and iodine 5810. For example, iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and is found throughout all body tissues 358. Although these trace elements make up less than 0.02% of total body weight, they play critical roles in metabolism, enzyme function, and overall health 810.
Interactions and Balance of Elements
The balance and interaction between these elements are important for maintaining health. Both deficiencies and excesses can disrupt bodily functions and lead to disease. For example, calcium and magnesium often correlate in the body, as do zinc and copper, and imbalances can affect processes like bone formation, immune response, and metabolism 410. The chemical and physical properties of these elements, such as ion size and charge, influence how they interact and are absorbed, transported, and utilized in the body .
Conclusion
In summary, the most common elements in the human body are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, followed by calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chlorine. These bulk elements make up nearly all of the body’s mass. Essential trace elements like iron, zinc, and copper, though present in much smaller amounts, are crucial for many biological processes. Maintaining the right balance of these elements is vital for health and well-being 125810.
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