1. Trace elements and immune function The immune function of the elderly declines with age. Trace elements such as zinc, copper and selenium play an important role in maintaining biological immune function. Iron deficiency impairs the synthesis of lymphocyte deoxyribonucleic acid, inhibits the production of antibodies and reduces the stress ability to infection, thus damaging the immune mechanism of the body. Zinc is a DNA and RNA polymerase, which directly participates in the synthesis, energy metabolism and redox process of nucleic acid and protein. Zinc can also activate thymosin, enhance immunity and T cell function. Zinc deficiency will inevitably lead to metabolic dysfunction and decreased immune function. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the immunity and physique of the elderly to supplement these essential trace elements in moderation.
2. Trace elements and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are one of the diseases with the highest mortality among the elderly. Many trace elements play a beneficial role in cardiovascular function and structure, such as zinc, selenium, manganese, cobalt, copper, fluorine and major elements magnesium and calcium. Chromium participates in the action of insulin, and chromium plays an important role in controlling hyperglycemia, a risk factor of stroke. Chromium deficiency can increase the contents of blood lipids and lipids (especially cholesterol), leading to atherosclerotic lesions. Low magnesium can cause hypercoagulability, which is related to the promotion of atherosclerosis and leads to the occurrence of acute cerebrovascular diseases. Copper is an essential trace element to maintain cardiovascular function. The lack of copper will lead to the increase of cholesterol and the occurrence of coronary heart disease, angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. But too much copper can induce arteriosclerosis. Manganese is the main component of many enzymes, which can activate enzymes and is beneficial to the utilization of fat. It is proved that manganese can improve lipid metabolism in patients with arteriosclerosis. Cobalt is an essential component of vitamin B 12 molecule and one of the important elements beneficial to cardiovascular function.
3. Trace elements closely related to anti-aging mainly include zinc, selenium, copper and manganese. The deficiency of zinc, copper and manganese will aggravate the damage of human tissues and accelerate the occurrence of aging.
With the improvement of living standard and medical level in China, the proportion of the elderly is increasing, and geriatric diseases are paid more and more attention. Studying the relationship between trace elements and senile diseases has become an important topic in clinical medicine.