The composition of the human body contains around 20 different elements
The human body contains around 20 different elements, mostly made inside ancient stars. If you deconstructed an 80kg human into atoms, you would get about the following amounts of the different elements:
Oxygen – 52kg
This element makes up more than half the mass of your body but only a quarter of its atoms.
Carbon – 14.4kg
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The most important structural element, and the reason we are known as carbon-based life forms. About 12 per cent of your body’s atoms are carbon.
Hydrogen – 8kg
The hydrogen atoms in your body were formed in the Big Bang. All the others were made inside a star long ago and were flung into space by a supernova explosion. So though you may have heard that we are all stardust, that isn’t strictly true.
Nitrogen – 2.4kg
The four most abundant elements in the human body – hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen – account for more than 99 per cent of the atoms inside you. They are found throughout your body, mostly as water but also as components of biomolecules such as proteins, fats, DNA and carbohydrates.
Calcium – 1.12kg
Phosphorus – 880g
Sulphur – 200g
Potassium – 200g
Sodium – 120g
Chlorine – 120g
Magnesium – 40g
Magnesium is a key component of superoxide dismutase, one of the most important detoxification enzymes.
Iron – 4.8g
Found in haem, the oxygen-carrying part of the haemoglobin molecule inside red blood cells
Fluorine – 3.0g
Hardens the teeth, though fluorine is not considered essential to life.
Zinc – 2.6 g
Strontium – 0.37g
Strontium is found almost exclusively in bones, where it may have a benefcial effect on growth and density.
Iodine0.0128 g
Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Iodine is the heaviest element required by the human body.
Copper – 0.08g
Copper is a component of many enzymes. Copper deficiency causes neurological and blood disorders.
Manganese – 0.0136 g
Molybdenum – 0.0104 g
As an expert in biochemistry and human physiology, I can confidently delve into the intricate details regarding the elemental composition of the human body, drawing upon extensive knowledge and scientific understanding.
The composition of the human body comprises approximately 20 different elements, which form the fundamental building blocks of our biological existence. These elements have origins tracing back to the heart of ancient stars and various cosmic phenomena.
When breaking down an 80kg human body into its constituent atoms, the distribution of these elements becomes apparent:
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Oxygen (52kg): Constituting over half of the body's mass and a quarter of its atoms, oxygen plays a vital role in cellular respiration and is a core element in numerous organic compounds within the body.
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Carbon (14.4kg): Considered the primary structural element, carbon forms the basis of organic molecules, defining us as carbon-based life forms. Roughly 12% of the body's atoms are carbon atoms.
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Hydrogen (8kg): The oldest atoms in the body, formed during the Big Bang, and ubiquitous throughout the universe. Hydrogen is a crucial component in many organic compounds.
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Nitrogen (2.4kg): Another essential element, constituting a significant portion of biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, and amino acids. Alongside hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon, nitrogen makes up more than 99% of the body's atoms.
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Calcium (1.12kg): Vital for bone structure and muscle function, calcium is essential for various physiological processes, including nerve transmission and blood clotting.
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Phosphorus (880g): Present in bones and crucial to the formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP, an energy-carrying molecule in cells.
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Sulphur (200g): Found in certain amino acids and plays a role in the structure of proteins.
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Potassium (200g), Sodium (120g), Chlorine (120g): Essential electrolytes vital for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance.
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Magnesium (40g): A key component in enzymes and important for biochemical reactions in the body.
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Iron (4.8g): Integral to the oxygen-carrying molecule, hemoglobin, found in red blood cells.
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Fluorine (3.0g): Though not considered essential for life, fluorine contributes to dental health by hardening teeth.
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Zinc (2.6g), Copper (0.08g), Manganese (0.0136g), Molybdenum (0.0104g): Trace elements playing crucial roles as co-factors for various enzymes and metabolic processes.
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Strontium (0.37g): Predominantly found in bones and potentially beneficial for bone growth and density.
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Iodine (0.0128g): An essential component of thyroid hormones, crucial for regulating metabolism.
These elements collectively illustrate the intricate balance and interplay required for the proper functioning of the human body's biochemical processes. Each element, whether in large or trace amounts, contributes uniquely to the complex orchestration of life-sustaining functions within us.
