Overview of Nine Essential Trace Elements

Trace Elements	Needed For	Good Sources
Chromium	Use of sugar in the body	Whole grains, spices, meats, brewer’s yeast
Copper	Hemoglobin synthesis and function; production of collagen, elastin, neurotransmitters; melanin formation	Organ meats, shellfish, nuts, fruits
Fluorine	Binding calcium in bones and teeth	Fluoridated water
Iodine	Production of energy (as part of thyroid hormones)	Seafood, iodized salt
Iron	Hemoglobin synthesis and function; enzyme actions in energy production; production of collagen, elastin, neurotransmitters	Organ meats, meat, poultry, fish
Manganese	Functions not entirely understood, but needed for optimal health	Whole grains, nuts
Molybdenum	Functions not entirely understood, but needed for optimal health; detoxification of hazardous substances	Organ meats, whole grains, green leafy vegetables,              milk, beans
Selenium	Functions not entirely understood, but necessary for optimal health	Broccoli, cabbage, celery, onions, garlic, whole grains,          brewer’s yeast, organ meats
Zinc	Immunity and healing, good eyesight, hundreds of enzyme activities	Whole grains, brewer’s yeast, fish, meats