Demineralization (physiology)

Under a demineralization (also demineralization or demineralization ) is understood in medicine pathological depletion of individual organs of inorganic fractions, especially the quantitatively most common mineral contents of calcium and phosphate. Since usually the reduction of the calcium component leads to pathological changes, one also speaks of decalcification. The risk of demineralization organs are those whose mineral content is particularly high, ie bones and teeth. In osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteomalacia and Halisterese the bone substance ( substantia compacta and substantia spongiosa ) is predominantly affected.

Cause of demineralization are an increased degradation of the tissue, insufficient deposition of minerals or growing of tissue. Rarely is based on a demineralization of inadequate dietary intake. The detection of demineralization, for example, via a bone density test.

• Metabolism
• Disease symptom
• Biological process