MCQ Detailed View

Gold is present in the human body in trace amounts, averaging about 0.2 milligrams per adult. Although the amount is tiny, it is spread unevenly across different tissues and organs. The skin contains the most gold, primarily because it is the largest organ of the body, covering almost 1.5 to 2 square meters in adults. Due to its vast surface area and mass, the skin becomes the primary site where this rare element is concentrated.

It is important to note that gold in the body does not serve an essential biological role like iron in blood or calcium in bones. Instead, it occurs naturally as part of the body’s trace elements. Despite its minimal presence, gold has been linked to potential health and medical applications. For example, gold salts were once used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and today, gold nanoparticles are studied for use in cancer detection, targeted drug delivery, and imaging technologies.

Other organs such as the liver and kidneys also contain trace amounts of gold, but nowhere near the amount stored in the skin. Toenails and hair, though they accumulate minerals, are not significant sources of gold.

This fascinating fact highlights how even precious metals exist naturally in our bodies, though in amounts too small for practical extraction. It also reminds us of the complex mineral balance that supports human biology.

Thus, the organ that contains the most gold is the skin.