Major Elements (Over 99% of body mass):
* Oxygen (O): 65% - Found in water, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids.
* Carbon (C): 18.5% - Forms the backbone of all organic molecules.
* Hydrogen (H): 9.5% - Found in water, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
* Nitrogen (N): 3.2% - Part of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.
* Calcium (Ca): 1.5% - Essential for bones, teeth, muscle function, and nerve transmission.
* Phosphorus (P): 1.0% - Found in bones, teeth, nucleic acids, and energy-carrying molecules.
* Potassium (K): 0.35% - Important for nerve and muscle function.
* Sulfur (S): 0.25% - Found in proteins and some vitamins.
* Sodium (Na): 0.15% - Essential for fluid balance and nerve impulses.
* Chlorine (Cl): 0.15% - Important for fluid balance and stomach acid.
* Magnesium (Mg): 0.05% - Essential for enzyme function and bone health.
Trace Elements (Less than 0.1% of body mass):
* Iron (Fe): Essential for red blood cell production and oxygen transport.
* Zinc (Zn): Important for immune function and enzyme activity.
* Iodine (I): Necessary for thyroid hormone production.
* Copper (Cu): Essential for red blood cell production and nerve function.
* Manganese (Mn): Important for bone formation and enzyme activity.
* Cobalt (Co): Component of vitamin B12.
* Chromium (Cr): Helps regulate blood sugar.
* Selenium (Se): Important for antioxidant defense.
* Molybdenum (Mo): Required by certain enzymes.
* Fluorine (F): Strengthens tooth enamel.
Other Elements:
* Silicon (Si)
* Aluminum (Al)
* Boron (B)
* Bromine (Br)
* Cadmium (Cd)
* Lithium (Li)
* Mercury (Hg)
* Nickel (Ni)
* Lead (Pb)
* Tin (Sn)
* Vanadium (V)
These trace elements are present in very small amounts but are still vital for human health. Their roles are diverse and involve a wide range of biological processes.
It's important to note that the exact percentages of each element may vary slightly depending on age, sex, and other factors.
