Gold (Au)

Many inorganic ions can be detected in the human body. Some are essential for normal metabolism, such as sodium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and iodine. Others, like mercury, cadmium, and lead, have no biological function and, when accumulated in high concentrations, exhibit toxic effects. Testing for specific trace elements helps diagnose acute or chronic intoxication.

The toxicity of inorganic ions depends on various factors, including age, gender, physiological state, underlying conditions, exposure route, and dose. The main sources of heavy metals and trace elements include food, water, inhaled air, and, in some cases, medications.

Gold is a noble yellow metal and is conditionally classified as an essential element. Normally, a small amount of gold is present in the human body, primarily in bones, liver, and kidneys. Gold interacts with copper and proteases that hydrolyze collagen and reacts with elastases and other components of connective tissue. As a metal, gold poses no threat to humans, but in rare cases, large doses of gold compounds—such as organic derivatives used in certain medications—can lead to poisoning. Symptoms resemble those of other heavy metal intoxications and include nausea, vomiting, excessive salivation, fatigue, lethargy, and damage to the central nervous system and liver.