Which of the following elements is NOT typically found in foods?

Gold is not typically found in foods because it is a heavy metal that does not play a biologically relevant role in nutrition. Unlike the other elements listed—oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen—which are essential components of various nutrients and are naturally present in many foods, gold does not participate in metabolic processes or contribute to the dietary needs of living organisms.

Oxygen is a key element in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, sulfur is important for amino acids and certain vitamins, and nitrogen is crucial for the development of proteins and nucleic acids. The presence of these elements supports various functions in the body, such as energy production and building blocks for cellular structures. However, gold does not fulfill any such nutritional or biochemical role, making it an exceptional case among the options presented.