Micronutrients, minerals that are part of the human diet in small amounts, may have influenced human evolution more than previously recognized. In a new study published September 10 in the Cell Press journal The American Journal of Human Genetics, researchers show how human ancestors from around the world developed various genetic adaptations in response to shortages and surpluses of minerals, including iron, calcium, and zinc.
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Micronutrients play an important role in metabolism, development, the immune system, and other functions in the human body. However, the authors note, their availability in food depends on their presence in the soil, so it varies widely across countries and continents.
Among the 13 minerals analyzed, some stood out. In Central America, the Maya who live in regions with iodine-poor soils show strong evidence of genetic changes in genes indicated in iodine regulation or metabolism ….
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In contrast, in some parts of South Asia where the soil is very high in magnesium, the team found evidence for adaptation in two genes likely related to the level of magnesium uptake ….
