Traces of metal is necessary for the human and animal system to function efficiently. Some of the important metals required are iron, copper, zinc, sodium and potassium.
- Iron metal is a constituent of haemoglobin in blood which carries oxygen to various parts of the body in humans and animals.
- Copper and zinc are constituents of enzymes which are the organic catalysts for various functions.
- Sodium and potassium are necessary for the electrical activities of the nerves and for the contraction of muscles.
- Presence of excessive amounts of metals are toxic and are harmful.
- Iron supplement is necessary for the formation of haemoglobin, whose difficiency causes anaemia. But excess of iron salts can cause a disease called siderosis.
- Excess of copper metal in the human body leads to a disease known as Wilsons disease. The symptoms of this disease are nervous disorders, tremors, difficulty in swallowing and still joints.
