Minerals are vital for the human organism. They contribute to the optimal functioning of many biochemical processes in the body. However, demineralization causes the body to lose important minerals, so that diseases can develop.
What is demineralization
If demineralization is present, diseases such as tooth decay, osteomalacia, osteopenia, or osteoporosis may occur. The medical term demineralization refers to a process in which certain minerals become increasingly dissolved from an organ, hard tissue, or liquid body substance. Demineralization is also known as demineralization and demineralization. For example, if only calcium dissolves from one of the body structures, then it is decalcification, also called decalcification. For the human organism, this biochemical process also means a pathological loss of vital minerals. This particularly affects the minerals calcium and phosphorus. However, a depletion of potassium and magnesium can also lead to severe impairments in the body. The organs and tissues that suffer most from mineral loss are those that naturally contain a high proportion of minerals. These include, above all, the bones and teeth, whose structure consists mainly of minerals. The cause of demineralization can be either an increased breakdown of minerals from the tissues or an insufficient storage of minerals in the tissues. Also, inadequate dietary intake of minerals can lead to demineralization. The cause of demineralization of the teeth is usually acids attacking the enamel. In the case of demineralization of the bones, the bone substance is affected. The consequences are the brittleness of body structures. Long-term demineralization is followed by various clinical pictures.
Function and task
All minerals (bulk elements and trace elements)are important building blocks of the body and are involved in numerous biochemical processes. For example, they prevent diseases and maintain the body’s performance. The minerals calcium, magnesium and phosphorus play a major role in bone formation. Calcium also contributes to the healthy structure of tooth enamel. The bulk elements are also found in the intracellular and extracellular fluids. Here they function as part of organic substances, for example enzymes and DNA. Trace elements, on the other hand, are found only as cofactors of proteins. Certain processes can only proceed normally if sufficient minerals are present in the body. A person’s need for minerals depends on age, sex and state of health. However, if the mineral requirement is not met on a permanent basis, there is a risk of deficiency symptoms. Demineralization also leads to a mineral deficiency in the long term, resulting in impairment of human organs and tissues. In the worst case, there is a risk of serious health consequences. These express themselves in diseases such as osteoporosis or caries from.
Diseases and ailments
If demineralization is present, diseases such as caries, osteomalacia, osteopenia or osteoporosis may occur. Which disease develops as a result of demineralization depends entirely on which mineral salts a person loses. Caries is the decalcification of the tooth enamel. Those who frequently consume sweets have a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Sugary foods cause bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacteria to deposit on the tooth surface. These excrete organic acids as metabolic products, which attack the tooth enamel. The acids in turn extract calcium from the tooth by lowering the natural pH of the enamel. Dental plaque should therefore be removed regularly and carefully to avoid demineralization by acids. If intensive oral hygiene is not maintained, the tooth is at risk of becoming porous. An unhealthy condition of the tooth allows bacteria to access the deep tooth structure. This creates caries holes, which can lead to complete destruction of the tooth. Osteomalacia is a softening of the bone. If this disease occurs in childhood, it is called rickets. This disease is very painful for those affected. Osteomalacia has many causes.These include, for example, a deficient supply or reduced absorption of calcium, a high excretion of phosphorus or a vitamin D deficiency. The treatment of osteomalacia aims to supply the patient with the missing minerals in high doses. Osteopenia is a precursor of osteoporosis. This refers to an age-related reduction in bone density. Osteopenia is said to occur when the T-score is between -1.0 and -2.5. If the bone density continues to decrease, the patient is at risk of osteoporosis. This disease may also be associated with demineralization, such as when the minerals calcium and phosphorus leach out of the bones. Demineralization can be detected in the blood count or with the help of a bone densitometry. The sooner demineralization is diagnosed, the sooner therapeutic measures can be taken. These can not only slow down the development of disease, but in some cases even stop it.
