Fluorine is best known for its role in the prevention of cavities and in improving oral and bone health however equally there are millions of people around the world suffering from dental fluorosis due to chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride in drinking water. This volume, written by leading researchers in this area, examines the positives and negatives of fluorine and its effects on humans for example fluoride-induced oxidative stress in the liver, effects of fluoride on insulin and preventing fluoride toxicity. Extremely useful for underpinning cross-disciplinary fluorine research,...

Betaine is widely distributed in plants and animals and has a role as an osmolyte and as a cofactor in methylation in liver metabolism. It has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors and enhance performance. The growing body of evidence shows that betaine is an important nutrient for the prevention of chronic disease. This volume surveys the current state of play in these and other areas of interest, including its role in one-carbon metabolism, tissue biochemistry and interactions with folate and other biomolecules. The analysis of betaines using different...

Carnosine and anserine are two common histidine-derived dipeptides, also known as imidazole dipeptides, found in muscle and brain tissues of animals. Their dietary and nutritional significance lies in their antioxidant properties and a number of investigators are looking at other health benefits of the compounds. This volume will survey the current state of play in these and other areas of interest, including chemistry and biochemistry, immunology and cellular homeostasis. Chapters look in depth at some of the functions and effects in the body particularly with regard to exercise and fatigue,...

Although toxic in large doses, selenium is an essential trace mineral in the animal diet and in some plants. It has a role in making antioxidant enzymes and a particular role in the functioning of the thyroid gland. This volume will examine the chemical activity of selenium and its functional health effects eg towards cancers, in the heart and brain. It will also cover other areas such as functional food enrichment, whole body metabolism, and the effects of selenium deficiency on health. Part of The Food and Nutritional Components in Focus series, this edited volume will pool knowledge across...