Percentage of carbon in the human body
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Percentage of Carbon in the Human Body
Carbon as a Fundamental Element in Human Biology
Carbon is a fundamental element in human biology, playing a crucial role in the structure and function of biomolecules. It is the second most abundant element by mass in the human body, accounting for approximately 18.5% of the total body mass 2. This high percentage underscores the importance of carbon in forming the backbone of organic molecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
Measurement Techniques for Total Body Carbon
Several techniques have been developed to measure total body carbon (TBC) in vivo. One such method involves neutron inelastic scattering, where fast neutrons are used to irradiate the body, and the resulting gamma rays are measured to estimate TBC. This method has been applied to various subjects, showing that body fat and protein are the main contributors to TBC, with bone ash and carbohydrates contributing less than 3% 3. Another technique uses in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA), which estimates TBC by measuring the gamma ray emission from carbon relative to hydrogen 7. These methods provide precise measurements of TBC, essential for understanding body composition and metabolic health.
Carbon Monoxide and Its Distribution in the Body
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of various metabolic processes and is present in small quantities in the human body. Most of the body's CO is found in the blood, chemically bound to hemoglobin, but about 10-15% is located in extravascular tissues, bound to hemoproteins such as myoglobin and cytochromes 1. The production and distribution of CO in the body are influenced by several physiological variables, including the rate of CO production and the partitioning between blood and tissues 6.
Implications of Carbon in Health and Disease
The presence and distribution of carbon in the body have significant implications for health and disease. Elevated levels of CO, for instance, can result from increased hemolysis or exposure to environmental CO, potentially leading to toxic effects, especially in individuals with compromised cardiovascular systems 4. Additionally, the accurate measurement of TBC is crucial for assessing body fat and protein levels, which are important indicators of nutritional status and metabolic health 37.
Conclusion
Carbon constitutes a significant portion of the human body, approximately 18.5% by mass, and is essential for the structure and function of various biomolecules. Advanced techniques like neutron inelastic scattering and IVNAA provide precise measurements of total body carbon, aiding in the assessment of body composition and metabolic health. Understanding the distribution and implications of carbon and its compounds, such as carbon monoxide, is vital for maintaining health and diagnosing diseases.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic