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Elemental composition of the human body
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The human body is an amazing, well-functioning, incredibly complex machine. Living a healthy life requires many functional parts to come together – and every biological detail in our bodies, from the mundane to the most magical, is driven by just 21 chemical elements.
Of the 118 elements on Earth, only 21 are present in the human body. Together, they make up a mixture of different molecules that combine to form our DNA, cells, tissues and organs.
In the above infographic, we break down the human body into its elemental composition and the percentages that are present, based on data provided by the International Commission on Radiological Protection ( ICRP ).
These 21 elements can be divided into three major groups according to their content in the human body: major components (4 elements), essential minerals (8 elements) and trace elements (9 elements).
Element Four: The Constituents of Life
Four elements, namely oxygen, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, are considered to be the most important elements in our body.
Oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body, accounting for about 61% of human body weight. Given that the human body is approximately 60-70% water, it is not surprising that oxygen and hydrogen are the two most abundant chemical elements in the human body. Together with carbon and nitrogen, these elements make up 96% of the body’s mass.
Let’s take a look at the composition of the four elements of life:
| element | Weight (kg) | Weight percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| oxygen | 43 kg | 61.4% |
| carbon | 16 kg | 22.9% |
| hydrogen | 7.0kg | 10.0% |
| nitrogen | 1.8 kg | 2.6% |
Values apply to humans with an average weight of 70 kg.
Let’s take a look at how each of these four chemical elements contributes to the vigorous functioning of our bodies:
oxygen
Oxygen plays a vital role in the body’s metabolism, respiration, and cellular oxygenation. Oxygen is also present in every vital organic molecule in the body, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids. It is an essential part of everything from our cells and blood to our brain and spinal fluid.
carbon
Carbon is the most critical structural element and the reason we are called carbon-based life forms. It is an essential building block required to form proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Breaking carbon bonds in carbohydrates and proteins is our primary source of energy.
hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element found in the universe and is present in all bodily fluids to transport and eliminate toxins and waste. With the help of hydrogen, our body’s joints remain lubricated and able to perform their functions. Hydrogen is also said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help improve muscle function.
nitrogen
The basic building block of amino acids used to build peptides and proteins is nitrogen. It is also part of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA, the chemical backbone of our genetic information and family tree.
Essential and Supplemental Minerals
Essential minerals are important for your body to stay healthy. Your body uses minerals in several processes, including keeping your bones, muscles, heart and brain working properly. Minerals also control the production of beneficial enzymes and hormones.
Minerals such as calcium are an important part of our bones and are required for bone growth and development as well as muscle contraction. Phosphorus contributes to the strength of bones and teeth and is essential for metabolizing energy.
The following is the elemental composition of essential minerals:
| element | Weight (g) | Weight percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| calcium | 1000 g | 1.43% |
| phosphorus | 780 g | 1.11% |
| Potassium | 140 g | 0.20% |
| sulfur | 140 g | 0.20% |
| chlorine | 100 g | 0.14% |
| sodium | 95 g | 0.14% |
| magnesium | 19 g | 0.03% |
| iron | 4.2 grams | 0.01% |
Values apply to humans with an average weight of 70 kg.
Other bulk minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and sodium are essential for intercellular communication, such as the electrical transmission that generates nerve impulses or heart rhythm, and are necessary for maintaining thyroid and bone health.
An excessive deficiency of any of these minerals can lead to various diseases in your body. Most people eat these minerals as part of their daily diet, which includes vegetables, meat, beans, and fruits. However, these minerals are also prescribed as supplements if deficient.
Biocomponents of trace elements
Trace elements or trace metals are small amounts of minerals found in living tissue. Some of these are considered nutritionally essential, while others may be considered non-essential. They are usually present in very small amounts in our bodies, making up only 1% of our body weight.
The most important of these are trace elements such as zinc, copper, manganese and fluorine. Zinc acts as a first responder to fight infection, thereby improving the ability to fight infection while balancing the immune response.
The following is the distribution of trace elements in our body:
| element | Body weight (mg) | Weight percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|
| fluorine | 2600 mg | 0.00371% |
| Zinc | 2300 mg | 0.00328% |
| copper | 72 mg | 0.00010% |
| iodine | 13 mg | 0.00002% |
| manganese | 12 mg | 0.00002% |
| molybdenum | 9.5 mg | 0.00001% |
| selenium | 8 mg | 0.00001% |
| chromium | 6.6 mg | 0.00001% |
| cobalt | 1.5 mg | 0.000002% |
Values apply to humans with an average weight of 70 kg.
Although only found in trace amounts, copper helps form red blood cells and keeps nerve cells healthy. It also helps form collagen, an important building block for bones and connective tissue.
Scientists and researchers are constantly making new discoveries , even as research and studies continue to fully understand the uses and benefits of these trace elements.
For example, recent studies have shown that some of these trace elements can be used to treat and combat chronic and debilitating diseases ranging from ischemia to cancer, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
The article “The Elements of the Human Body” appeared first on Visual Capitalist .
The elemental composition of the human body first appeared in Engage English → Look at the world .
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