2000/01/01 by Forrest H. Nielsen · 19 citations
Environmental Science · Health Professions · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · #Business #Computer science #Disease #Element (criminal law) #Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity #Internet privacy #Law #Marketing #Medicine #Pathology #Political science #Psychology #Public relations #TRACE (psycholinguistics) #Therapeutic Uses of Natural Elements #Trace Elements in Health
paper · doi:10.1007/978-1-59259-040-7_2
published in Humana Press eBooks, 11-36 (Humana Press)
openalex publication_date 2000/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
An ever expanding number of mineral elements have received attention as being of possible importance in the prevention of disease with nutritional roots, or for the enhancement of health and longevity. Because of some promising physiological or clinical finding, most often in an animal model or a special human situation, these elements are promoted by the supplement industry, some authors of health books and newsletters, and other merchants of “health-promoting” materials whose objective is financial gain by taking advantage of the desire “to live better and to live longer.” It is not difficult for the public to get authoritative reports by apparently well-qualified individuals expounding the nutritional or health benefits of some element; most often the benefit involves avoiding some of life’s most feared diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and loss of cognitive function. Health and nutrition professionals will have many of these mineral elements brought to their attention by their clients. Ignoring the questions or dismissing the claims without providing sound reasons is unlikely to counteract an “authoritative” report that often gives disparaging statements about authentic health professionals. Additionally, several of these mineral elements apparently have health benefits that are now only being discovered or defined; some of these benefits might be the result of unrecognized essential functions. Being aware of these benefits could be of use in providing information that could promote health and well-being. Thus, it is appropriate that these possibly essential trace elements be discussed in a clinical nutrition text such as this book.