Trace minerals are a class of micronutrients required by the body in small amounts. They are essential players in the chemistry of life, supporting a wide range of physiological processes through precise biochemical roles. This page centers on trace minerals—iron, zinc, magnesium, and others—to illustrate how these elements participate in the body's intricate system. Iron serves as a key catalytic partner in many enzyme reactions, zinc supports numerous enzymes and regulatory proteins, and magnesium participates in structural and metabolic activities at the cellular level. As trace minerals, they often act as cofactors that enable enzymes to perform their catalytic tasks, helping to stabilize molecules and facilitate essential chemical steps. Maintaining balanced trace minerals involves regulated absorption, transport in body fluids, storage, and controlled excretion. The body keeps trace mineral levels within a tight range, and interactions among minerals—such as competition for absorption or shared transport pathways—highlight the interconnected nature of trace mineral homeostasis. This overview emphasizes the concept of trace minerals, their general properties, and how researchers describe their presence and activity in the body. By focusing on trace minerals, readers can appreciate the role these elements play in the broader landscape of physiology, without delving into specific foods or health claims.
