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A New Perspective: The Effect of Trace Elements on Human Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Micronutrients and Human Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 June 2025) | Viewed by 4602

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jing Han

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710061, China
Interests: trace elements; selenium; articular cartilage; bone; micronutrients; human health; chronic diseases; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Fangfang Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Interests: trace elements; selenium; articular cartilage; bone; micronutrients; human health; chronic diseases; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Trace elements are crucial for human health, playing significant roles in various biochemical processes and maintaining physiological functions. Key trace elements, such as zinc, selenium, copper, and iron, are involved in enzyme activity, immune response, and antioxidant defense. Deficiencies in these elements can lead to serious health issues, including impaired immune function, anemia, and the increased risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Furthermore, the balance and bioavailability of trace elements are influenced by dietary patterns, health status, and environmental factors. It is essential to promote the proper intake of these micronutrients through balanced diets or supplementation, particularly in vulnerable populations. Continued research is needed to better understand the complex interactions of trace elements in human health and to develop effective public health strategies for nutrient optimization.

Prof. Dr. Jing Han
Dr. Fangfang Yu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • trace elements
  • dietary nutrition
  • micronutrients
  • human health
  • chronic diseases
  • public health

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
Selenium Concentrations in Soccer Players During a Sports Season: Sex Differences
by Víctor Toro-Román, Jesús Siquier-Coll, Francisco J. Grijota, Marcos Maynar-Mariño, Ignacio Bartolomé and María Concepción Robles-Gil
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142257 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Background: Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral element with important roles in enhancing athletic performance and athlete recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to observe the differences in plasma, urinary, erythrocyte, and platelet Se concentrations between sexes and analyze the variations in [...] Read more.
Background: Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral element with important roles in enhancing athletic performance and athlete recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to observe the differences in plasma, urinary, erythrocyte, and platelet Se concentrations between sexes and analyze the variations in Se concentrations during the soccer season. The main hypothesis was that significant differences in Se levels would be observed between male and female athletes and that these differences would fluctuate throughout the season due to varying training loads and nutritional factors. Methods: Twenty-two male (20 ± 2 years; 1.76 ± 0.06 m; 14.73 ± 3.13 years’ experience; fifth Spanish division) and twenty-four female soccer players (23 ± 4 years; 1.65 ± 0.06 m; 14.51 ± 4.94 years’ experience; second Spanish division) participated. Three assessments were conducted during the season. Evaluations included anthropometry, body composition, fitness (cardiorespiratory and vertical jump), and nutritional intake. Venous samples of blood and urine were obtained. The concentrations of Se in the plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: No differences in Se intake were observed. The Se concentrations in the plasma, urine, and platelets were found to be higher in males, while females showed elevated levels in their erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Throughout the season, plasma and platelet Se concentrations exhibited a progressive increase (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Assessing Se status during the season is essential for evaluating nutritional supplementation to maintain performance given Se’s vital role in the immune and antioxidant systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective: The Effect of Trace Elements on Human Health)
22 pages, 5424 KiB  
Article
Distinct Clusters of Testosterone Levels, Symptoms, and Serum Trace Elements in Young Men: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
by Takazo Tanaka, Kosuke Kojo, Takahiro Suetomi, Yoshiyuki Nagumo, Haruhiko Midorikawa, Takaaki Matsuda, Ayumi Nakazono, Takuya Shimizu, Shunsuke Fujimoto, Atsushi Ikeda, Shuya Kandori, Hiromitsu Negoro, Tatsuya Takayama and Hiroyuki Nishiyama
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050867 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1804
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Modern societal stressors have been linked to declining testosterone levels among young men, contributing to somatic, psychological, and sexual health problems. Despite growing evidence suggesting a link between trace elements and testosterone-related symptoms, there are only a few comprehensive analyses on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Modern societal stressors have been linked to declining testosterone levels among young men, contributing to somatic, psychological, and sexual health problems. Despite growing evidence suggesting a link between trace elements and testosterone-related symptoms, there are only a few comprehensive analyses on younger populations. This study’s aim was to examine how serum trace elements modulate the relationship between testosterone levels and symptom severity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 225 young men seeking infertility consultation in Japan. Serum total and free testosterone levels were measured, along with self-reported symptoms using the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale (somatic, psychological, sexual) and the Erection Hardness Score. The serum concentrations of 20 trace elements were measured. We used unsupervised clustering to classify participants based on testosterone levels and symptom severity and then compared the distribution of trace elements among the resulting clusters. Results: Three distinct clusters emerged: (1) lowest testosterone with highest symptom severity, (2) intermediate, and (3) highest testosterone with minimal symptoms. Interestingly, the intermediate cluster displayed low testosterone levels but minimal symptoms. Eleven trace elements (phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, arsenic, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, and cesium) were identified as potential contributors to testosterone dynamics. Weighted quantile sum regression indicated that phosphorus, strontium, and molybdenum negatively influenced testosterone outcomes, whereas iron, sulfur, and zinc were beneficial. Conclusions: Serum trace element profiles are significantly associated with testosterone levels and symptom severity in young men. Targeted interventions may address testosterone decline and its implications. These findings may help develop tailored strategies for optimizing male health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective: The Effect of Trace Elements on Human Health)
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Review

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39 pages, 560 KiB  
Review
Trace Mineral Imbalances in Global Health: Challenges, Biomarkers, and the Role of Serum Analysis
by Marta López-Alonso, Inés Rivas and Marta Miranda
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132241 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Trace minerals (TMs), both essential and toxic, are integral to human physiology, participating in enzymatic reactions, oxidative balance, immune function, and the modulation of chronic disease risk. Despite their importance, imbalances due to deficiencies or toxic exposures are widespread globally. While [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Trace minerals (TMs), both essential and toxic, are integral to human physiology, participating in enzymatic reactions, oxidative balance, immune function, and the modulation of chronic disease risk. Despite their importance, imbalances due to deficiencies or toxic exposures are widespread globally. While low-income countries often face overt deficiencies and environmental contamination, middle- and high-income populations increasingly deal with subclinical deficits and chronic toxic metal exposure. This review aims to explore the relevance of serum as a matrix for evaluating TM status across diverse clinical and epidemiological, geographic, and demographic settings. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted focusing on the physiological roles, health impacts, and current biomarker approaches for key essential (e.g., zinc, copper, selenium) and toxic (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic) trace elements. Particular emphasis was placed on studies utilizing serum analysis and on recent advances in multi-element detection using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Serum was identified as a versatile and informative matrix for TM assessment, offering advantages in terms of clinical accessibility, biomarker reliability, and capacity for the simultaneous quantification of multiple elements. For essential TMs, serum levels reflect nutritional status with reasonable accuracy. For toxic elements, detection depends on instrument sensitivity, but serum can still provide valuable exposure data. The method’s scalability supports applications ranging from public health surveillance to individualized patient care. Conclusions: Serum trace mineral analysis is a practical and scalable approach for nutritional assessment and exposure monitoring. Integrating it into clinical practice and public health strategies can improve the early detection of imbalances, guide interventions such as nutritional supplementation, dietary modifications, and exposure mitigation efforts. This approach also supports advanced personalized nutrition and preventive care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective: The Effect of Trace Elements on Human Health)
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20 pages, 1200 KiB  
Review
Elemental Influence: The Emerging Role of Zinc, Copper, and Selenium in Osteoarthritis
by Abebe Feyissa Amhare, Haobiao Liu, Lichun Qiao, Huan Deng and Jing Han
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132069 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 952
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling joint disorder characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, subchondral bone changes, synovial inflammation, and chronic pain. While traditionally attributed to mechanical and age-related factors, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of nutritional components in disease [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling joint disorder characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, subchondral bone changes, synovial inflammation, and chronic pain. While traditionally attributed to mechanical and age-related factors, increasing attention has been directed toward the role of nutritional components in disease modulation. This article critically examines the emerging role of three essential trace elements, zinc, copper, and selenium, in the pathophysiology of OA. These micronutrients are fundamental to antioxidant defense, immune modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity. Altered systemic or local levels of zinc, copper, and selenium have been associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysregulated cartilage metabolism in OA. Drawing on clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro experimental models, and population-based data, we synthesize evidence on trace element status in OA patients, mechanistic pathways, and therapeutic potential, including emerging nanomedicine strategies that enhance the targeted delivery and therapeutic efficacy of trace elements in joint tissues. This review highlights the need for integrated trace element profiling in OA research and clinical care and supports the exploration of targeted nutritional interventions in OA prevention and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A New Perspective: The Effect of Trace Elements on Human Health)
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