Mineral metabolism structure

The importance of nutrition in the dental caries problem is reviewed in 90 pages by Shaw.22 Although we have indicated that metabolic peculiarities in the area of mineral metabolism seem "most likely to be pertinent" to the dental caries problem (p. 218), it does not follow that interest should be restricted to this field. Because teeth are organic structures produced as the result of metabolic processes, there is not a single vitamin, amino acid, or other nutrient factor which may not be implicated in the disease. Probably many different deficiencies are involved in the production of the sum total of all caries existing in all individuals. Much evidence, of course, has been found to indicate the importance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, but other items may also be very important. 

Minerals are structural components and significantly important elements that perform many necessary functions in the living body, including the cell transport and wide range of metabolic processes serving as various catalytic metalloenzymes cofactors. This chapter is focused on some trace elements that are abundantly contained in seaweed. Common feature of all trace elements is their important participation in the formation of binding site of metalloenzymes, where each element plays specific roles in living systems and many of them have a lot of beneficial functions. 

Boskey A (2006) Mineralization, Structure and Function of Bone. In Dynamics of Bone and Cartilage Metabolism, 2nd edn. Seibel MJ, Robins SP, Bilezikian JP (eds), San Diego, Academic Press,201-212... 

Damage to epicuticular waxes Altered photosynthesis Increased water loss Accumulation of acidic anions Leaching of ions, sugars, etc. Mineral imbalances Altered metabolism Increased susceptibility to winter freezing injury Death of fine roots Destabilization of trees Reduced water/mineral uptake Reduced water uptake Cations leached below roots Accumulation of acidic anions Altered structure/texture Altered microflora Reduced litter decomposition Altered N transformations Solubilization of metal ions... 

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