Bromine: Good Night!
Bromine (Br)
Good night!
In the human body bromine is involved in the regulation of the central nervous system function (enhances inhibition), thyroid, and gonadal glands.
The daily requirement for the human body is 2–8 mg.
In the body of an adult human, there is approximately 260 mg of bromine. Bromine is found in the blood (up to 10 mg/l), bone, and muscle tissue; the highest concentration of bromine has been detected in the kidneys, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. Bromine is primarily excreted through urine and sweat.
Biological role in the human body. Bromine is classified as a conditionally essential element. The physiological role of bromine is poorly understood.
Sodium bromide (NaBr) participates in the activation of pepsin, activates certain enzymes, particularly lipases and amylases of the pancreas, which are involved in the digestion of fats and carbohydrates.
Bromine ions suppress the activity of the thyroid gland, acting as antagonists to iodides and slowing their absorption with chronic exposure.
Bromides participate in the regulation of the central nervous system, enhancing inhibitory processes.
Bromine-based preparations reduce libido and potency, which is why they are used to suppress sexual desire.
Pure bromine is a highly toxic substance. Therefore, to this day, no doctor has prescribed pure bromine as a sedative to a hyperactive or neurasthenic patient. What is commonly referred to as bromine is actually a solution of one of its salts – sodium bromide NaBr, but even that is in very low concentration.
Synergists and antagonists of bromine. Antagonists of bromine include iodine, fluorine, chlorine, and aluminum.
Signs of bromine deficiency. In experiments on goats, an artificial dietary deficiency of bromide anion led to impaired growth, fertility, decreased hematocrit, reduced hemoglobin levels in the blood, increased milk fat content, and the number of miscarriages, as well as a shortened lifespan.
Some dialysis patients with bromide deficiency experienced insomnia.
Some dialysis patients with bromide deficiency experienced insomnia.
Excessive accumulation of bromine in the body leads to skin diseases and depression of the central nervous system.
Main manifestations of bromine excess: skin rash, pustules, soft inflammatory nodules of purple-red color, rhinitis, bronchitis; digestive disturbances; sleep and speech disorders, memory decline, and other neurological disorders.
Main manifestations of bromine excess: skin rash, pustules, soft inflammatory nodules of purple-red color, rhinitis, bronchitis; digestive disturbances; sleep and speech disorders, memory decline, and other neurological disorders.
Bromine is necessary: in hysteria and neurasthenia as a sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant agent.
Dietary sources of bromine: the highest amounts are found in grains and legumes (for example, in soybeans) and nuts, as well as in laminaria (seaweed) and fish.