Trace elements in human: Nutrition and health

Recent years have seen spectacular and far reaching advances in knowledge of the significance of trace elements in human health and disease. Several "new" trace elements have been discovered and analytical techniques have grown in sophistication. In response to there developments in a fast-changing field, and the need to review and update recommendations for dietary intakes of trace elements, a number of workshops and consultations were organized by the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency. This book is the outcome of those meetings, drawing on the knowledge and experience of numerous international experts to present a re-evaluation of the role of trace elements in human nutrition and health. Nineteen nutritionally significant trace elements are considered individually in chapters covering essential elements, such as iodine and zinc, elements like manganese and silicon that are probably essential, and others, including arsenic and lead, that can be toxic but may also have essential functions. The framework for evaluation is provided by a discussion derivation and application of requirement estimates and the influence of physiological and dietary variable on bio-availability and a review of current analytical methodology. The assessment of dietary intakes and detection of deficiencies and excesses are also considered, together with the consequences of specific imbalances, among them iodine-deficiency disorders, skeletal fluorosis and zing-responsive growth retardation. For each elements, where possible, requirements are estimated and safe ranges of intakes for population groups are proposed to facilitate both food and nutrition planning and the assessment of observed intakes as a step in the diagnosis and control of trace-element-related disorders. The book aims to provide both an authoritative review for scientists and national authorities and, through its recommendations, a basis for monitoring and improving trace element-related nutritional health in population throughout the world.