The Concept of Trace Elements

Trace elements are essential elements that constitute less than 0.01% of an organism’s (human body’s) total mass.

Despite their minimal presence, they are crucial for biological functions.

Examples include Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Nickel, Cobalt, Vanadium, Selenium, Tin, Strontium, Fluorine and Iodine.

  • Transport Function

    • Haemoglobin and myoglobin, which contain iron (Fe), transport oxygen to various parts of the body.

  • Hormone Regulation
    • Zinc (Zn) and Chromium (Cr) help stabilize insulin.
    • Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn) promote the secretion of sex hormones.
    • Iodine (I) stimulates the production of thyroid hormones.
  • Metabolic Regulation

    • Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Manganese (Mn) and Selenium (Se) regulate metabolism through enzymes, hormones and neurotransmitters.

  • Enzyme Activation
    • Trace elements are closely related to enzymes, serving as structural components or activators. For example, Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) activate certain enzymes.
  • Vitamin Structure Component
    • The active centre of Vitamin B12 contains Cobalt (Co), a trace element.
    • Nutrient Metabolism
    • The metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates requires trace elements such as Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Potassium (K).
  • Immune Enhancement
    • Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) significantly boost immune responses. Selenium (Se) enhances white blood cell activity, while Manganese (Mn) promotes antibody production.

  • Antioxidant Function
    • Selenium (Se) acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals.
    • Detoxification
    • Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) induce the synthesis of metallothionein (MT) in the liver, brain and kidneys, aiding in detoxification.
  • Anti-Aging Function
    • Trace elements help combat aging by inhibiting free radical reactions and removing peroxides, playing a crucial role in slowing down the aging process.

The human body is composed of 92 elements, of which 81 can currently be detected.

These include:

  • 11 Macro-elements (major elements)
  • 70 Trace Elements

Macro-elements are essential elements that constitute more than 0.01% of the body’s total mass.

Examples include Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, Sulfur, Carbon and Nitrogen.

The human body requires 14 essential trace elements, including:

  • Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Vanadium (V), Selenium (Se), Tin (Sn), Strontium (Sr), Fluorine (F) and Iodine (I).

Both deficiencies and excesses of these essential trace elements can harm human health.

The human body contains 9 non-essential trace elements, which, although not essential, still play important roles.

These include:

  • Boron (B), Rubidium (Rb), Arsenic (As), Silicon (Si), Aluminium (Al), Barium (Ba), Titanium (Ti), Niobium (Nb) and Zirconium (Zr).

Note: Both deficiencies and excesses of these non-essential trace elements can negatively impact health.

There are 6 harmful trace elements, which include:

  • Bismuth (Bi), Antimony (Sb), Beryllium (Be), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb).

Excessive levels of these elements can cause serious health issues.

Harmful trace elements can enter the body through various pathways:

  • Environmental Pollution: Contaminated air, water and soil.
  • Food and Water: Consuming plants, animals or fungi grown in polluted environments.
  • Habits: Unhealthy practices such as chewing on pencils (containing lead) or handling printed materials (like newspapers) can increase exposure to harmful elements.

Trace Element Hair Testing

Each element in the human body plays a specific physiological role. If the levels of these elements fall below or exceed normal ranges, various diseases can develop.

By testing element levels, we can assess an individual’s current (or recent) health status and make dietary or medical adjustments to restore balance, preventing related diseases and improving overall health.

Trace element hair testing is reliable, supported by theoretical foundations, clinical data and standards.

However, testing should be conducted at certified institutions with proper equipment, facilities, staff, environmental compliance and data management, all meeting national accreditation requirements.

• Method

Hospitals conduct both hair and blood tests for trace elements, but blood tests are more common and involve invasive procedures, while hair testing is non-invasive.

• Scope

Hospitals typically test for macro-elements and a few trace elements (e.g., Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Lead, Mercury), covering a limited number of elements. In contrast, hair testing can cover up to 20 essential elements, providing a more comprehensive view of health.

• Purpose

Hospital tests are primarily used for biochemical analysis, nutritional assessments and diagnosing common diseases. Hair testing, however, can provide precise health assessments, diagnose sub-health conditions and even predict potential diseases.

Analysing hair samples near the scalp (within 3 cm) provides insights into the body’s element status over the past month, enabling a more objective evaluation of health.

Hair retains a “historical record” of element exposure. For example, drug use can be detected through hair analysis, whereas blood tests may not capture such long-term exposure.

• Accuracy

Both blood and hair tests are accurate and the results can be correlated and converted between the two methods.

• Key Differences

Blood Testing Hair Testing
Provides real-time results, making it useful for emergency situations.

Results can fluctuate based on recent dietary intake, which may affect the accuracy of short-term element levels.

 Reflects average trace element levels over a longer period, offering more stable and reliable data.

Trace elements in hair, blood and body fluids are measured using two key instruments:

Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)
Capable of quickly and accurately measuring multiple elements simultaneously.

Suitable for large-scale sample testing, with the ability to analyse dozens of elements in a minute.

 Used for detecting specific elements such as selenium, fluorine, iodine, mercury and silicon.

Certified Equipment Market Instant Detectors
Equipped with official certifications, including GMP certification, air
emission permits and qualified personnel with certifications.Complies with national data standards and accreditation, with a total investment of approximately 6 million RMB.Reliable and recognized results.		 Lack certifications and regulatory approval, often referred to as “three- no products” (no certification, no standard, no supervision).

The data generated by such devices is not officially recognized.

Standard Testing Special Elements
For routine testing of 20 elements, a sample of at least 0.5 grams of hair 
is required. If testing for specific elements like Selenium, Iodine, Mercury, Fluorine or 
Silicon, an additional 0.5 grams of hair is needed.

The trace element content varies across different scalp regions.

Hair from the occipital area (lower back of the head) contains richer and more representative deposits of trace elements, making it the most suitable sample.

• Dyed Hair
Hair that has been dyed should only be sampled 25 days after dyeing to avoid interference with test results.

• Long Hair
Only collect the first 3 cm of hair closest to the scalp. Discard any excess length beyond this.

Hair grows at a rate of 1–2 cm per month. Therefore, it is generally recommended to perform trace element testing every three months to obtain accurate and meaningful results.

• Instrument Sensitivity Requirements

Lower Sensitivity Higher Sensitivity
Tests that require instruments with lower sensitivity are less expensive. Tests requiring high-sensitivity instruments are more costly due to the precision involved.

• Single vs. Multi-Element Testing

Multi-Element Testing Single-Element Testing
When instruments can only measure one element at a time (e.g., using AAS for Selenium, Iodine, Mercury, etc.), each test incurs a higher cost.

• Selenium Testing
Selenium requires specialized testing methods that differ from those used for common elements. It is measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), which can only test one element at a time, making it a separate procedure.

• Other Special Elements
In addition to Selenium, the following elements also require specialized instruments and testing methods:
> Iodine (I)
> Mercury (Hg)
> Fluorine (F)
> Silicon (Si)

These elements need dedicated tests due to their unique chemical properties and detection requirements.

Physical appearance alone cannot fully reflect a person’s health. Data-driven analysis is essential to evaluate and understand the body’s condition. By identifying imbalances through trace element testing, potential health risks can be predicted and preventive measures can be taken.

For example:

Calcium Deficiency Calcium Deficiency
Can lead to high blood pressure, night sweats, osteoporosis, numbness in hands and feet and muscle cramps. May cause kidney stones, respiratory diseases, cataracts and tumours.

Yes, trace element testing is crucial for ensuring healthy pregnancy outcomes and foetal development.

• Government Guidance

The State Council’s directive, “Notice on Improving the Quality of Newborns in China,” highlights that iodine deficiency and lead exposure in the environment have led to an increase in congenital disabilities.

• Heavy Metal Risks

Scientific research shows that heavy metal exposure (e.g., Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic) during pregnancy can result in:

o Congenital abnormalities o Miscarriages
o Stillbirths
o Neonatal deaths

• Essential Element Deficiency

A lack of beneficial elements such as iodine, fluorine, iron, calcium and boron can also lead to birth defects.

• Impact on Child Development

Imbalances in trace elements during pregnancy can cause:
o Incomplete physical development
o Weakened immune function (frequent illnesses)
o Vision problems
o Cognitive impairments
o Psychological issues (e.g., ADHD, depression, neurological disorders)

Given the significant impact on both the child and family, trace element testing for pregnant women is highly recommended to promote healthy outcomes and prevent complications.

• Yes, but there are special considerations:

• During the breastfeeding period, trace element levels in the baby directly reflect those in the mother’s milk. For example:
– High iodine in the mother results in high iodine levels in the baby.
– High lead in the mother results in high lead levels in the baby.

• Therefore, testing the mother’s hair for trace elements is a more effective and indirect way to assess the baby’s trace element status.

• Yes, it is highly recommended.

Elemental Link to Cancer: The human body is composed of elements and the development of cancer is closely associated with trace element imbalances.

Selenium’s Role in Cancer Treatment: The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes selenium’s therapeutic effects on cancer.

• Studies have confirmed that deficiencies in selenium are linked to cancers such as liver, lung, stomach, oesophageal and nasopharyngeal cancers.

• Trace element testing can help identify underlying causes and inform treatment strategies.

• High-dose organic selenium has been reported to cure cancer in some cases, as documented both domestically and internationally.

Trace Elements and Health

Yes, certain foods can help eliminate harmful trace elements like Cadmium, Lead, Mercury and Arsenic by leveraging the antagonistic effects of beneficial elements:

• Selenium-rich supplements (e.g., selenium-enriched algae) promote the excretion of heavy metals.

• Lotus leaves (high in manganese) help remove cadmium.

• Mung beans (rich in zinc) assist in eliminating lead.

• Honey (containing magnesium) facilitates mercury detoxification.

Trace element balance is dynamic and influenced by factors such as:

• Diet (types and amounts of food consumed) o Digestive and absorption capacity

• Food sourcing and quality

Due to these variables, absolute balance is difficult to maintain long-term. Generally, after adjustments, balance can be sustained for about three months, making periodic monitoring essential.

Key elements that impact foetal development include:

• Macro-elements: Calcium (Ca)

• Trace elements:
‣ Zinc (Zn)
‣ Iron (Fe)
‣ Magnesium (Mg)
‣ Strontium (Sr)
‣ Manganese (Mn)
‣ Molybdenum (Mo)
‣ Vanadium (V)
‣ Iodine (I)
‣ Lead (Pb)
‣ Mercury (Hg) and
‣ Arsenic (As).

Imbalances can lead to developmental issues and complications during pregnancy.

Delayed growth and development in children are often related to deficiencies in specific trace elements:

• Bone growth and development:
‣ Fluorine (F)
‣ Silicon (Si)
‣ Strontium (Sr)
‣ Molybdenum (Mo)
‣ Boron (B)

• Nervous system development:
‣ Zinc (Zn)
‣ Iodine (I)
‣ Manganese (Mn)

• Hormonal growth stimulation:
‣ Zinc supports the pituitary gland’s release of growth hormones, promoting both cognitive function and height.

• Blood formation:
‣ Iron (Fe)
‣ Molybdenum (Mo)
‣ Cobalt (Co)
stimulate blood production.

A lack of these elements can result in delayed physical and cognitive development in children.

• Causes

Childhood obesity is linked to iodine and selenium deficiencies, which can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition reduces basal metabolic rate and decreases energy expenditure, contributing to weight gain. Selenium deficiency further impairs iodine metabolism, exacerbating obesity.

• Adjustments

To promote thyroid hormone synthesis, increase muscle mass and reduce fat accumulation, children should:

‣ Supplement Iodine: Consume iodine-rich foods such as seaweed and nori.

‣ Supplement Selenium: Include selenium-rich foods like selenium- enriched mushrooms and selenium-fortified rice.

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
‣ Low: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se)
‣ High: Zinc (Zn), Barium (Ba), Lead (Pb)

• Diabetes
‣ Low: Chromium (Cr), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu)
‣ High: Iron (Fe)

• Hyperlipidemia (High Blood Lipids)
‣ Low: Nickel (Ni), Vanadium (V) o High: Cobalt (Co)

• Infertility
‣ Low: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Vanadium (V).
‣ High: Molybdenum (Mo), Boron (B), Lead (Pb)

• Premature Aging
‣ Low: Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se)
‣ High: Cadmium (Cd), Aluminium (Al)

By analysing trace elements in hair, the root causes of these conditions can be identified. Dietary or medical adjustments can then be made to restore balance, aiding in the treatment and management of chronic diseases, infertility and age-related issues.

• Trace Elements Closely Linked to Tumours

Research and data analysis have identified several trace elements that are
strongly associated with the development and progression of tumours.

These elements include:
‣ Zinc (Zn)
‣ Manganese (Mn) o Selenium (Se)
‣ Molybdenum (Mo) o Cobalt (Co)
‣ Germanium (Ge) o Rubidium (Rb)
‣ Gallium (Ga)
‣ Zirconium (Zr)
‣ Lanthanum (La)
‣ Chromium (Cr)
‣ Strontium (Sr)
‣ Barium (Ba)
‣ Nickel (Ni)
‣ Cadmium (Cd)

• Significance

Prevention and Treatment: By adjusting the levels of these trace elements, it is possible to prevent various types of cancers and, in some cases, aid in their treatment. Proper balance and supplementation can help mitigate tumour development and progression.

Trace Element Knowledge: Selenium

Symptoms and Supplementation of Zinc and Iron Deficiency

Product Information: Chromium Peptide

Chromium Peptide: Effectiveness and Usage