Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are a group of tests that measure specific minerals, primarily in the blood but sometimes in the urine or another body tissue or fluid. These minerals are substances that the body needs in tiny amounts on a regular basis for normal functioning. They come into the body through the diet and are used in the production of enzymes and hormones, the regulation of glucose, and the formation of bone, teeth, muscles, connective tissue, and blood cells. They assist in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, promote wound healing, and are vital for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.

Trace minerals are a subset of micronutrients and essential minerals. They include:

• Chromium
• Copper
• Fluoride (usually included but rarely tested)
• Iodine
• Iron
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Selenium
• Zinc

Trace mineral deficiencies can occur worldwide when there is insufficient food, insufficient variety of food, and/or mineral deficiencies in the soil that food is grown in. The World Health Organization lists iodine, iron (and Vitamin A) as the most important micronutrients in terms of global public health. In the United States, both deficiencies and excesses of trace minerals are rare. Deficiencies are sometimes seen with malnutrition and with conditions such as celiac disease that are associated with decreased ability to absorb minerals. Deficiencies may occur with:

• Insufficient intake – such as from a restricted diet. Sometimes seen when someone receives only intravenous nutrition.
• Insufficient absorption – may be seen with a variety of chronic conditions associated with malabsorption and seen with surgeries that remove part of the stomach or intestines.
• Inability to use – some people may not be able to properly utilize one or more trace minerals.
• Increased use/need – pregnant women, children, and those that are recovering from an illness or injury may require increased nutritional support.
• Increased loss – an example of this is the loss of iron that occurs when red blood cells are lost due to acute or chronic bleeding.
• Interference – an example of this is the decrease in copper that is associated with an excess of zinc.

Trace mineral excesses may be seen with:

• Too much intake – this may be chronic or acute, due to taking supplements or to accidental or occupational exposure.
• Decreased loss – with conditions such as kidney and liver disease, the body may not be able to remove trace minerals from the body at a normal rate. With some inherited conditions, the body may store minerals in tissues and organs, resulting in damage to them. An example of this is the storage of copper with Wilson’s disease.

Trace mineral testing is usually performed on a blood sample obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Sometimes a 24-hour urine collection is obtained. Special metal-free blood or acid-washed urine containers are used to minimize the potential for sample contamination by any outside sources of minerals.

Blood and urine reflect recent mineral intake. Rarely, hair may be collected or a biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample to evaluate mineral deficiencies, excesses, and storage that have occurred over time.

Talk to your doctor; fasting is preferred for some tests.