This article explores whether gold is found in the human body, the minuscule quantities in which it might exist, how it enters and leaves our system, and if it serves any biological function.
Tiny Traces of Gold
The human body contains gold, though only in trace amounts. For an average adult weighing 70 kilograms, the total amount of gold present is approximately 0.2 milligrams. This quantity is so minute that it is imperceptible and holds no commercial value for extraction.
These trace gold particles are distributed throughout various tissues and organs. While primarily found in the bloodstream, gold can also be detected in other areas. It is found in the liver, brain, heart, and joints, among other locations.
How Gold Enters and Exits the Body
Gold enters the human body primarily through common environmental and dietary pathways. Small quantities of gold are naturally present in the soil, which can then be absorbed by plants. Consequently, consuming certain foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can introduce minute amounts of gold into the digestive system.
Water also contains gold, contributing to its intake. Environmental exposure, such as inhaling dust particles that contain gold, can also lead to its absorption. Once ingested or absorbed, gold circulates throughout the body. However, the body has efficient mechanisms to process and excrete most of these ingested trace elements. The majority of gold that enters the body passes through the digestive tract and is eliminated as waste.
Gold’s Biological Role
Despite its presence, gold is not considered an essential trace element for human health. This means the human body does not require gold for any known physiological processes to function correctly. The gold present in the body is largely inert, meaning it does not react with biological molecules or participate in metabolic pathways.
At the trace levels naturally found in the body, gold exhibits very low toxicity. Pure metallic gold typically passes through the digestive system without being absorbed or causing harm. Any claims of gold having essential roles in joint health or electrical signal transmission are often associated with specific medicinal gold compounds, which behave differently than the naturally occurring trace amounts and are not relevant to gold’s typical biological function.