Metal Ions in Biological Systems

Featuring contributions from 29 internationally recognized experts, this book offers a timely, authoritative look at ionic complexes in medicine. Metal ions are currently used in medications for treating many ailments including diabetes, general inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, psychiatric disorders, and ulcers. These medications employ compounds of vanadium, copper and zinc, gold, lithium, and bismuth, respectively. This text explores these medical uses, as well as the use of metal ions in environmental sciences. It also looks at chelation therapy and impacts on human health from deficiencies of magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron.