Trace elements in human nutrition.

Clinical recognition of the role of trace elements in human nutrition is increasing. Heretofore, many clinicians felt that the development of deficiency states was not likely except in very extreme conditions because the presence of trace elements in nature was so ubiquitous. The increased use of total parenteral nutrition seems to have made this viewpoint untenable. The recognition of additional genetic diseases of trace element metabolism such as Menkes' kinky hair syndrome and acrodermatitis enteropathica has also served to focus clinical attention on trace elements. As time passes, no doubt, additional diseases of trace element metabolism will be recognized.