Abstract:
Research findings suggest that eleven elements are
predominantly present in all biological systems. However,
hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen correspond to
99% of the total. Hydrogen constitutes 62.8% of the atoms
in a human body. The percentage of oxygen, carbon
and nitrogen are 25.4, 9.4 and 1.4%, respectively. Other
essential elements make up the remaining 1% {sodium
(Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg),
phosphorus (P), sulphur (S) and chlorine (Cl)}. Very
large percentages of hydrogen and oxygen arise from the
high-water content present in living systems. Regarding
our health and well-being, it is important to know about
the elements found in biological systems, their functions
and the level of toxicity.