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Elements in the Human Body

Chemistry of You

From Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

99% of the mass of the human body is made up of only six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. Every organic molecule contains carbon. Since 65-90% of each body cell consists of water (by weight), it isn't surprising that oxygen and hydrogen are major components of the body.

Here's is a look at the major elements in the body and what these elements do.

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