Select a colored section on the human body to learn its chemical composition. You can change the body weight to see how the chemical composition differs in pounds.
Body weight =
lbs
Oxygen (0)
65%, 139.75 lbs
About 2/3 of your body weight is just oxygen, most of it as part of water (H2O).
Carbon (C)
18.5%, 39.78 lbs
All of the large molecules that make up your body (such as fats, proteins, and DNA) are based on carbon.
Hydrogen (H)
9.5%, 20.43 lbs
Hydrogen is found in just about every important molecule of your body, but each hydrogen atom is quite light.
Nitrogen (N)
3.3%, 7.1 lbs
Nitrogen plays an important role in the structure of both DNA and protein.
Calcium (Ca)
1.5%, 3.23 lbs
Calcium is an important component of your bones and teeth.
Magnesium (Mg)
0.1%, 0.22 lbs
Magnesium produces a very bright white light in fireworks and flares.
Chlorine (Cl)
0.2%, 0.43 lbs
This essential element can also be used to sterilize pools, hot tubs, and fish tanks.
Potassium (K)
0.4%, 0.86 lbs
Potash, a fertilizer used since ancient times, is primarily potassium.
Phosphorus (P)
1%, 2.15 lbs
Phosphorus plays a key role in the structure of DNA and energy-carrying ATP molecules.
Sodium (Na)
0.2%, 0.43 lbs
Sodium is a solid that explodes if it comes into contact with water.
Sulfur (S)
0.3%, 0.65 lbs
Sulfur produces the distinctive burning smell of matches.
Trace Elements:
less than 0.01% or 0.03 lbs combined.
Boron (B)
Boron is an ingredient of borax, a common cleaning product.
Selenium (Se)
Selenium, used in photocells, is toxic in large quantities, but required in small quantities.
Fluorine (F)
Because it inhibits cavities, an ion of fluorine (fluoride) is used in dental products and drinking water.
Zinc (Zn)
Nearly 2 billion in the developing world suffer from zinc deficiency.
Molybdenum (Mo)
Pure molybdenum is so tough that you have to heat it to 4,753°F before it melts.
Copper (Cu)
Humans have been using copper to make tools for at least 10,000 years.
Vanadium (V)
Adding a little bit of vanadium can significantly increase the strength of steel.
Manganese
Within your body, manganese is required by many enzymes.
Cobalt (Co)
When added to pigments, cobalt produces a lovely deep blue color.
Iron (Fe)
18th century sailors were encouraged to gnaw on iron nails to provide them with this essential element.
Chromium (Cr)
Chromium is added to iron to make stainless steel.
Silicon (Si)
Silicon is a key component of many kinds of cement.
Iodine (I)
Pure iodine is an effective antiseptic.
Tin (Sn)
The same tin that used to be used to make cans is an essential part of your diet.