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Bromine is an element of the VII group of the periodic table with atomic number 35. The name comes from the Greek. bromos (stench).
Bromine is a heavy (6 times heavier than air) liquid of red-brown color, floating in air, with a pungent and unpleasant odor. The natural sources of bromine are salt lakes, natural brines, underground wells and sea water, where bromine is in the form of sodium, potassium and magnesium bromides.
Bromine enters the human body with food. The main sources of bromine are legumes, bread products and milk. The usual daily diet contains 0,4-1,0 mg of bromine.
The tissues and organs of an adult contain about 200-300 mg of bromine. Bromine is widespread in the human body and can be found in the kidneys, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, blood, bone and muscle tissue. Bromine is excreted from the body mainly in urine and sweat.
Bromine rich foods
Indicated approximate availability in 100 g of product
Daily bromine requirement
The daily requirement for bromine is 0,5-1 g.
Useful properties of bromine and its effect on the body
Bromine activates sexual function, increasing the volume of ejaculate and the number of sperm in it, has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system.
Bromine is a part of gastric juice, affecting (along with chlorine) its acidity.
Digestibility
Bromine antagonists are substances such as iodine, fluorine, chlorine and aluminum.
Lack and excess of bromine
Bromine deficiency signs
- increased irritability;
- sexual weakness;
- insomnia;
- growth retardation in children;
- a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood;
- increasing the possibility of miscarriage;
- reduced life expectancy;
- decrease in the acidity of gastric juice.
Signs of excess bromine
- suppression of thyroid function;
- memory impairment;
- neurological disorders;
- skin rashes;
- insomnia;
- digestive disorders;
- rhinitis;
- bronchitis.
Since bromine is considered a very poisonous substance, serious consequences are possible if a large amount of a substance enters the human body. A lethal dose is considered to be from 35 g.
Why is there an excess of bromine
Most of all bromine is found in cereals, legumes, nuts and table salt with an admixture of bromine. It is also found in small quantities in fish.