Trace Elements

In episode, Chris and Mars zoom in on trace elements—those small but mighty players in surgical recovery and nutrition. Whether it’s zinc, copper, selenium, or even manganese, these elements pack a punch for your patients on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and are guaranteed shelf pearls for your exam. 🎙️ You’ll learn: ✅ Why zinc deficiency can tank wound healing and show up as that classic perioral/perianal rash (acrodermatitis!). ✅ How copper deficiency mimics B12 neuropathy and causes microcytic anemia unresponsive to iron. ✅ The link between selenium and cardiomyopathy (hello, Keshan disease!). ✅ Why a TPN patient with new hyperglycemia might actually be missing chromium. ✅ The Parkinsonian danger of manganese toxicity in long-term TPN. ✅ And quick hits on iodine, iron, magnesium, fluoride, and more. Perfect for med students prepping for the surgery shelf or clinicians managing high-risk surgical patients.