The Elemental Composition of the Human Body

Here's a look at the chemical composition of the human body, including element abundance and how each element is used. Elements are listed in order of decreasing abundance, with the most common element (by mass) listed first. Approximately 96% of body weight consists of only four elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, and sulfur, are macronutrients or elements the body needs in a significant amount.

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Oxygen

Liquid oxygen is blue. Warwick Hillier, Australia National University, Canberra

By mass, oxygen is the most abundant element in the human body. If you think about it, this makes sense, since most of the body consists of water or H₂O. Oxygen accounts for 61-65% of the mass of the human body. Even though there are many more atoms of hydrogen in your body than oxygen, each oxygen atom is 16 times more massive than a hydrogen atom.

Uses

Oxygen is used for cellular respiration.

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Carbon

Close up of graphite against off-white background. — Graphite, one of the forms of elemental carbon. De Agostini Picture Library / Getty Images

All living organisms contain carbon, which forms the basis for all of the organic molecules in the body. Carbon is the second most abundant element in the human body, accounting for 18% of body weight.

Uses

All organic molecules (fats, proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids) contain carbon. Carbon also is found as carbon dioxide or CO₂. You inhale air that contains about 20% oxygen. The air you exhale contains much less oxygen, but is rich in carbon dioxide.

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Hydrogen

Hydrogen accounts for 10% of the mass of the human body.

Uses

Since around 60% of your body weight is water, much of the hydrogen exists in water, which functions to transport nutrients, remove wastes, lubricate organs and joints, and regulate body temperature. Hydrogen is also important in energy production and use. The H⁺ ion can be used as a hydrogen ion or proton pump to produce ATP and regulate numerous chemical reactions. All organic molecules contain hydrogen in addition to carbon.

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Nitrogen

Approximately 3% of the mass of the human body is nitrogen.

Uses

Proteins, nucleic acids, and other organic molecules contain nitrogen. Nitrogen gas is found in the lungs since the primary gas in air is nitrogen.

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Calcium

Calcium accounts for 1.5% of human body weight.

Uses

Calcium is used to give the skeletal system its rigidity and strength. Calcium is found in bones and teeth. The Ca²⁺ ion is important for muscle function.

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Phosphorus

About 1.2% to 1.5% of your body consists of phosphorus.

Uses

Phosphorus is important for bone structure and is part of the primary energy molecule in the body, ATP or adenosine triphosphate. Most of the phosphorus in the body is in the bones and teeth.

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Potassium

Potassium makes up 0.2% to 0.35% of the adult human body.

Uses

Potassium is an important mineral in all cells. It functions as an electrolyte and is particularly important for conducting electrical impulses and for muscle contraction.

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Sulfur

Sulfur's abundance is 0.20% to 0.25% in the human body.

Uses

Sulfur is an important component of amino acids and proteins. It's present in keratin, which forms skin, hair, and nails. It's also needed for cellular respiration, allowing cells to use oxygen.

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Sodium

Approximately 0.10% to 0.15% of your body mass is the element sodium.

Uses

Sodium is an important electrolyte in the body. It is an important component of cellular fluids and is needed for the transmission of nerve impulses. It helps regulate fluid volume, temperature, and blood pressure.

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Magnesium

The metal magnesium comprises about 0.05% of human body weight.

Uses

About half of the body's magnesium is found in the bones. Magnesium is important for numerous biochemical reactions. It helps regulate heartbeat, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. It is used in protein synthesis and metabolism. It is needed to support proper immune system, muscle, and nerve function.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The Elemental Composition of the Human Body." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/elemental-composition-of-human-body-603896. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). The Elemental Composition of the Human Body. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/elemental-composition-of-human-body-603896 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The Elemental Composition of the Human Body." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/elemental-composition-of-human-body-603896 (accessed June 4, 2023).