Nutriotic table

Jennifer Theresa

Senior clinical dietitian, Kauvery Hospital, Tennur, Tamil Nadu

Introductions

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of the 118 known chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It is a fundamental tool in chemistry that allows scientists to quickly reference properties and predict how elements will behave and react. The nutriotic table of elements is a foundation of chemistry, showing us the building blocks of everything. But did you know that around 95% of these elements are also found in the food we eat?

Major Elements (Macronutrients) 

These elements form the bulk of our bodies and are required in the diet in larger quantities (grams per day):

  • Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N): These four are the primary components of organic macromolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and make up about 96% of body mass (mostly as water and organic compounds). They are abundant in all food and water.
  • Phosphorus (P): Essential for bones, teeth, DNA, RNA, and ATP (energy transfer).
  • Sulfur (S): Found in certain amino acids (like methionine and cysteine), which are key components of proteins, hair, and skin.
  • Calcium (Ca): Vital for bone and teeth formation, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
  • Potassium (K): An important electrolyte for maintaining fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function.
  • Sodium (Na): Along with chloride, it helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function.
  • Chlorine (Cl): Usually consumed as chloride (e.g., in salt), essential for fluid balance and stomach acid production.
  • Magnesium (Mg): Involved in over 300 enzyme reactions, muscle and nerve function, and bone health.

Trace Elements (Micronutrients)

  • These elements are required in much smaller amounts (milligrams or micrograms per day) but are essential for various metabolic and physiological functions:
  • Iron (Fe): A central component of hemoglobin for oxygen transport in the blood.
  • Zinc (Zn): Important for immune function, wound healing, and growth.
  • Iodine (I): Crucial for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism.
  • Chromium (Cr): Involved in glucose metabolism.
  • Copper (Cu): Important for iron metabolism and enzyme function.
  • Fluorine (F): Essential for strong teeth and bones (usually consumed as fluoride).
  • Molybdenum (Mo): A cofactor for several enzymes.
  • Manganese (Mn): Essential for bone formation and enzyme activity.
  • Selenium (Se): An important antioxidant and vital for thyroid function.
  • Cobalt (Co): A core component of Vitamin B12.

These elements are the chemical “building blocks” that form the complex organic molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins) which are traditionally listed as “nutrients” on food labels.

Summarized the table

The provided content explains that the standard chemical periodic table includes specific elements essential for human nutrition. These elements are categorized into two groups:

  • Major Elements (Macronutrients): Required in large quantities for bodily structure and functions. This group includes Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chlorine, and Magnesium.
  • Trace Elements (Micronutrients): Required in small quantities for metabolic and physiological functions. This group includes Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Chromium, Copper, Fluorine, Molybdenum, Manganese, Selenium, and Cobalt.

These elements are the chemical building blocks that form the complex organic molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins) considered “nutrients” on food labels. The text concludes by highlighting the goal of understanding these food compounds at a molecular level to address global challenges related to diet and health.

Conclusion

The chemical elements of the periodic table are the fundamental building blocks of human nutrition. Categorizing these elements into macronutrients for structural integrity and micronutrients for metabolic health provides a basis for understanding the molecular composition of food to improve global health outcomes. More information can be found in the provided content.

Nightingale Journals

Kauvery Hospital
Find Doctor
Book Appointment