Introduction:
Little is known about the influence of smoking on concentrations of trace elements and to what extent smoking disturbs the balance of these bioelements, and if it is possible to take advantage of this knowledge in sciences related to nutrition and/or in cancer prophylaxis.

Objective:
To make a review of current scientific research concerning the influence of smoking on selected trace elements: calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium. Additionally, forms of chemoprophylaxis are described in the case of deficiency of the analysed bioelements, with particular consideration of nutritional recommendations for smokers.

Brief description of the state of knowledge:
: Many studies confirmed the considerable effect of smoking on the concentrations of calcium and selenium. Very little is known about the influence of smoking on the levels of magnesium; however, this element may play an essential role in the prophylaxis of cardiovascular system diseases, to which smokers are especially exposed. It follows from the review, that smoking does not exert a significant effect on the concentrations of zinc and iron.

Conclusions:
The study shows that tobacco smoking affects the mineral metabolism of calcium and selenium. Smokers are recommended to supplement calcium and selenium deficiencies by increasing the amount of food products abundant in calcium and selenium in their diet, and equally important – by discontinuing smoking. Supplementation of the diet with calcium and selenium might have a beneficial effect by decreasing the risk of cancer in people who are at higher risk of colon and lung cancer. This is not recommended, however, for the general population.