Chemical compounds of organisms

Roles of Carbon

Creates organic molecules; essential for energy storage

Source of Carbon

Food from plants

Deficiency of Carbon

Stunted growth

Roles of Oxygen

Used in cellular respiration; helps produce energy

Source of Oxygen

Air

Deficiency of Oxygen

Hypoxia (breathing difficulties, confusion)

Roles of Hydrogen

Part of water; regulates cellular processes

Source of Hydrogen

Water (H₂O)

Deficiency of Hydrogen

Wilting in plants

Roles of Nitrogen

Component of amino acids (proteins) and nucleic acids (DNA)

Source of Nitrogen

Beans and peas

Deficiency of Nitrogen

Muscle wasting

Roles of Phosphorus

Essential for building bones, teeth, and DNA/RNA production

Source of Phosphorus

Dairy products

Deficiency of Phosphorus

Fragile bones

Roles of Sulfur

Forms amino acids, enzymes, and vitamins

Source of Sulfur

Eggs

Deficiency of Sulfur

Brittle nails and hair

Roles of Calcium

Maintains bone health; aids muscle function

Source of Calcium

Dairy products

Deficiency of Calcium

Osteoporosis

Roles of Magnesium

Supports nerve and muscle function; activates enzymes

Source of Magnesium

Nuts

Deficiency of Magnesium

Muscle spasms

Roles of Potassium

Regulates blood pressure; helps muscle contraction

Source of Potassium

Bananas

Deficiency of Potassium

Muscle weakness

Roles of Sodium

Maintains fluid balance; supports nerve function

Source of Sodium

Table salt

Deficiency of Sodium

Seizures in extreme cases

Roles of Chlorine

Regulates acid-base balance; supports digestion

Source of Chlorine

Table salt

Deficiency of Chlorine

Muscle weakness

Roles of Iron

Transports oxygen (hemoglobin); produces energy

Source of Iron

Red meat

Deficiency of Iron

Fatigue (anemia)

Roles of Fluorine

Strengthens bones and teeth

Source of Fluorine

Seafood

Deficiency of Fluorine

Tooth decay

Roles of Cobalt

Part of vitamin B12; helps red blood cell production

Source of Cobalt

Beef liver

Deficiency of Cobalt

Increased risk of neurological disorders

Roles of Copper

Helps in hemoglobin formation; supports immune function

Source of Copper

Nuts

Deficiency of Copper

Anemia

Roles of Iodine

Essential for thyroid hormone production (metabolism regulation)

Source of Iodine

Seafood

Deficiency of Iodine

Growth problems