The top ten most abundant elements in the human body by mass are:
- Oxygen (~65%) – The most abundant element, primarily because it is a major component of water and organic molecules essential for cellular respiration and metabolism.
- Carbon (~18%) – The backbone of all organic molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
- Hydrogen (~10%) – Found mostly in water and organic compounds, involved in chemical reactions and energy production.
- Nitrogen (~3%) – A key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).
- Calcium (~1.5%) – Essential for bones and teeth, providing structural rigidity and strength.
- Phosphorus (~1.2%) – Important for bones and teeth, and a critical part of energy molecules like ATP.
- Potassium (~0.2%) – Vital electrolyte for nerve function and muscle contraction.
- Sulfur (~0.2%) – Present in amino acids and proteins, important for cellular function.
- Chlorine (~0.2%) – An important anion for maintaining fluid balance.
- Sodium (~0.1%) – Another key electrolyte involved in nerve transmission and fluid regulation.
These ten elements make up the vast majority of the human body's mass, with oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen alone accounting for about 96% of body mass. Other elements like magnesium, iron, and trace elements are present in smaller amounts but are also essential for various biological functions
