Metals include aluminum, chromium selenium, and silicon.
Trace metals are important elements, both from nutritional and toxicological points of view.
We obtain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and iron in our diet as well as small amounts of essential metals such as copper, selenium and zinc which are required for the maintainence of growth and normal health. Many hospitalized patients require intravenous nutrition due to being undernourished from their illness or following surgery. These imbalances are corrected by adjusting the metal intake through consultations with the physicians, pharmacists, and dietitions. Nutrient fluids are also monitored to determine if contamination is present such as the finding of elevated chromium in the amino acid components. Excessive supplementation of selenium, however, can result in toxicity with resulting consequences such as impaired bone development, and hair loss.