Trace Elements in Medicine

The document discussed various trace elements and their effects on health. Zinc deficiency was linked to conditions like alopecia and immune response issues. Copper was associated with Wilson's disease, and therapies involved zinc or manganese to remove excess copper. Mercury exposure, as seen in Sir Isaac Newton, caused severe neuropathy, but ingested metallic mercury from thermometers was not toxic due to low absorption. Methylmercury contamination led to Minamata disease in Japan, affecting 3,000 people. Cadmium was found to be both harmful and essential, with links to osteomalacia and blood pressure changes. Lead had harmful effects on intelligence and neurology, especially in children, but lead slugs rarely caused intoxication. Chromium was essential for glucose tolerance but could cause ulcers and cancer in excess. Arsenic was found in Napoleon's hair, suggesting possible poisoning, but its form in seaweed was non-toxic.