The deficiency of trace elements has affected human DNA: geneticists' discovery.

The impact of trace element deficiency on human evolution

According to inkorr.com: Researchers from University College London (UCL) have established that a lack of essential trace elements such as iodine, magnesium, and iron can significantly influence human evolution and leave its mark on DNA. Their study results were published in The American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG).

Scientists studied genes responsible for processing 13 key minerals and discovered changes in the genes that regulate their absorption in populations with a deficiency or excess of trace elements. These genes underwent positive selection, indicating the fixation of genetic variations that help organisms adapt to mineral imbalance.

Adaptation to deficiency and excess of trace elements

Iodine deficiency and growth. Genetic adaptations to iodine deficiency were found in the Mbute people of Central Africa. Excess magnesium and toxicity. In South and Central Asia, changes in genes related to magnesium characteristics serve a protective role against toxicity.

The project leader, Jasmine Rees, noted that adaptation to trace elements is extremely important in human history. This research confirms the deep connection between the environment and genetic inheritance.

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The UCL study confirms that trace element deficiency has a significant impact on the human genome and highlights the importance of adapting to the deficiency and excess of various elements. By studying genes responsible for mineral metabolism, scientists will find changes indicating the organism's ability to adapt to imbalances in mineral composition. This research is an important step in understanding the influence of the environment on genetic inheritance and human evolution.