Author
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SANDSTEAD, HAROLD - UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS |
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Klevay, Leslie |
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Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition
Publication Type: Other Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2000 Publication Date: 2/1/2000 Citation: Sandstead, H.H., Klevay, L.M. 2000. History of nutrition symposium: Trace element nutrition and human health. Journal of Nutrition. 130:483S-484S. Interpretive Summary: Discovery of the importance of trace elements in nutrition began in the 19th century with the chemical analysis of elements in biological samples and the demonstrating that certain elements were essential for growth of microorganisms. The clinical investigations of women with chlorosis and the iron deprivation experiments in dogs, were the first to show that dietary deficiency and/or loss of a trace element (iron) from the body caused a specific disease (iron deficiency anemia). In light of the knowledge and medical practice of the time their findings were revolutionary. Understanding of the roles of trace elements in nutrition required the development of purified diets and methods of animal care that limit exposure to contaminants. Veterinary and plant scientists led the way in discovery by showing that low soil and plant content of specific trace elements such as cobalt, copper, selenium and zinc, and imbalances of certain trace elements such as manganese and copper, and zinc and copper cause disease. Their discoveries helped clinical scientists recognize functions of trace elements in humans and the effects of trace element deficiencies and excesses on human health. This article illustrates this process. Technical Abstract: Discovery of the importance of trace elements in nutrition began in the 19th century with the chemical analysis of elements in biological samples and the demonstrating that certain elements were essential for growth of microorganisms. The clinical investigations of women with chlorosis and the iron deprivation experiments in dogs, were the first to show that dietary deficiency and/or loss of a trace element (iron) from the body caused a specific disease (iron deficiency anemia). In light of the knowledge and medical practice of the time their findings were revolutionary. Understanding of the roles of trace elements in nutrition required the development of purified diets and methods of animal care that limit exposure to contaminants. Veterinary and plant scientists led the way in discovery by showing that low soil and plant content of specific trace elements such as cobalt, copper, selenium and zinc, and imbalances of certain trace elements such as manganese and copper, and zinc and copper cause disease. Their discoveries helped clinical scientists recognize functions of trace elements in humans and the effects of trace element deficiencies and excesses on human health. This article illustrates this process. |
