From the Guidelines
Metals in your body are essential for maintaining proper health, and their deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, compromised immunity, and heart rhythm abnormalities. Metals like iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and copper play vital roles in the body, such as oxygen transport, immune function, and energy production. According to a study published in 2021 1, iron is indispensable for the normal development and function of all tissues in the human body, and its deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a major global health problem. Other metals like zinc, calcium, and magnesium are also crucial for maintaining proper health, with zinc supporting immune function and wound healing, calcium strengthening bones and teeth, and magnesium activating enzymes for energy production and regulating blood pressure 1. It is essential to maintain adequate levels of these metals in the body to prevent health problems, and most people can obtain sufficient metals through a balanced diet, though some may require supplements under medical supervision. Some key functions of these metals include:
- Iron: oxygen transport in blood through hemoglobin
- Zinc: immune function and wound healing
- Calcium: strengthening bones and teeth and enabling muscle contractions
- Magnesium: activating enzymes for energy production and regulating blood pressure
- Potassium and sodium: maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve signal transmission
- Copper: assisting in energy production and iron metabolism. Overall, metals play a critical role in maintaining proper health, and their deficiency can have severe consequences, making it essential to prioritize their intake and maintenance in the body.
From the Research
Importance of Metals in the Human Body
- Metals play a crucial role in the human body, with approximately 10 essential metal elements required for proper functioning 2.
- These essential metals include Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mo, which must be present in appropriate amounts in the body 2.
Physiological Functions of Metals
- Metals such as calcium, iron, and zinc are crucial for various physiological functions, including tissue regeneration and immune system function 3, 4.
- Copper, in particular, plays important roles in human physiology and pathophysiology, including the regulation of immunity and lipid homeostasis 5.
- Zinc is a multipurpose trace element that plays a crucial part in various physiological processes, such as cell growth and development, metabolism, and cognitive function 4.
Consequences of Metal Imbalance
- Overloading or unbalancing of metal ion concentrations can significantly impair the function and differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells 3.
- Disruption of copper homeostasis may underlie the development of ischemic heart disease, connective tissue and neurodegenerative disorders 5.
- Either a deficiency or an excess of essential metals may result in various disease states, including neurological disorders, mental health problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes 6.
Research and Future Directions
- Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which metal ions affect mesenchymal stem/stromal cell differentiation and to understand the interactions between metal ions and biological systems 3, 6.
- The development of innovative therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine and the design of biomaterials and implants to promote tissue regeneration may benefit from a deeper understanding of metal ion interactions 3.
- Additional human balance and interventional studies are necessary to inform future investigations of copper metabolism in humans and to reconsider the copper RDAs 5.