The elements are: Oxygen: This is the most abundant element in your body. The most important function of oxygen is to help release the energy stored in foods. You absorb oxygen from the air you breathe. Carbon: Carbon is the second most common element in the human body. It is essential to life, because it is present in almost every compound in the body. If a food contains carbohydrates, proteins, or fats, it contains carbon compounds. Example: Pasta Hydrogen: Hydrogen is found in foods and in water, which accounts for more than 60 percent of body mass. Chemical reactions in cells take place in water. Iron: Iron is a very important trace element because it is part of hemoglobin. This compound transports oxygen through the blood to every cell in the body. Meat, fish, and leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, are good sources of iron. Potassium: Potassium is essential to muscle and nerve function, and helps keep the body’s fluids in balance. It also stimulates the kidneys to remove body wastes. Potassium can be found in fruit and dairy products. Example: Fruits and Cheese Iodine: Iodine is required in small amounts for the production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine controls the rate of all chemical processes in the body. Fresh fish is a good source of iodine. Example: Red Snapper Vanadium: Vanadium can help control blood sugar levels. It also plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth. Vanadium can be found in black peppercorns.