The elemental composition of an adult human body by mass is

The elemental composition of an adult human body by mass is

”C
”O
”N
”N
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2016
The elemental composition of an adult human body by mass is dominated by Oxygen, followed by Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen.
Oxygen is the most abundant element by mass (approx. 65%), largely due to its presence in water (H₂O). Carbon (approx. 18.5%) forms the backbone of organic molecules. Hydrogen (approx. 9.5%) is also abundant in water and organic compounds. Nitrogen (approx. 3.2%) is a key component of proteins and nucleic acids.
These four elements constitute about 96-97% of the human body’s mass. Calcium and Phosphorus are the next most abundant elements, primarily found in bones and teeth.