[Dynamics of essential trace elements in the body--the mechanism of absorption, transport, storage and excretion].

Essential trace elements have various functional roles in the body. In the present study, we focus on the mechanism of absorption, transport, storage and excretion of trace elements. Essential trace elements are mainly absorbed from the gastrointestinal lumen by passive diffusion or by specialized transport systems and transported to various organs via blood plasma. Essential trace elements are differently distributed in the body. The difference is due to the absorption-excretion systems and a functional role in each organ. The most important excretory pathways for essential trace elements are gastrointestinal and renal ones. We discuss more about the dynamics of essential trace elements in the body.