420,988 views
27 votes
27 votes
Which minerals are prone to over-consumption and toxicity as a result of the small amount that is actually needed in our bodies?.

User Darriel
by
3.2k points

1 Answer

20 votes
20 votes

Final answer:

Certain minerals such as chromium, arsenic, and sodium can become toxic when consumed in excess. Chromium in large amounts can cause skin irritation and cancer, while excess sodium may lead to high blood pressure, and arsenic, needed in only minuscule amounts, is toxic at high levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

Minerals that are prone to over-consumption and toxicity due to the small amounts needed by our bodies include heavy metals such as chromium, arsenic, and sodium. Despite being important for health in trace amounts, excessive intake of certain minerals can lead to adverse health effects. Chromium, for example, needed only in micrograms, can cause skin irritation and has been linked with cancer in high doses.

Too much sodium, commonly over-consumed due to its prevalence in processed foods and table salt, may contribute to high blood pressure. Arsenic is a trace element essential in tiny amounts, but toxic when consumed at a level of 7,000 ppb or higher. These minerals have different thresholds for toxicity, emphasizing the necessity for balanced consumption.

User ThisIsSparta
by
3.0k points