Fecal beryllium (Be) provides an estimate of a recent oral exposure to the element. Be is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but is readily absorbed across the lungs and skin. Inhalation is the primary route of significant exposure to Be, and may be associated with dyspnea, cough and pulmonary distress (berylliosis). Berylliosis, is an occupationally acquired lung disease that is associated with primary production, metal machining, and reclaiming scrap alloys. Other high-exposure occupations are in the nuclear power, aerospace, and electronics industries. Fecal Be is not diagnostic for berylliosis.

Beryllium is a silvery-white metal that is lighter than aluminum but stronger than steel. Its strength-to-weight ratio, reflectivity, transparency to X-rays, thermal stability and conductivity, and high melting point makes it an essential material in the defense, nuclear, aerospace, medical, information technology, and telecommunications industries.

Beryllium is toxic as both a skin irritant and an inhaled substance and can result in dermatitis, acute pneumonitis, and chronic pulmonary disease. The first signs of serious or life-threatening acute beryllium exposure may involve difficulty breathing, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Despite increasing governmental regulations limiting exposure to beryllium in high-risk occupations, any amount of beryllium can cause short-term and long-term diseases. 

Beryllium ores are used to make speciality ceramics for electrical and high-technology applications, also used in nuclear weapons and reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, x-ray machines, and mirrors.

Beryllium alloys are used in automobiles, computers, sports equipment (golf clubs and bicycle frames), and dental bridges. Lung damage has been observed in people exposed to high levels of beryllium in the air. Beryllium blocks several hepatic enzyme systems. Marcotte and Witschi (l972) suggested that this element binds to chromatin and interferes with DNA synthesis. Preventive measures such as avoiding skin contact with beryllium to prevent sensitization are most important. Careful irrigation and debridement are recommended for wounds.

Beryllium ores are used to make speciality ceramics for electrical and high-technology applications, also used in nuclear weapons and reactors, aircraft and space vehicle structures, instruments, x-ray machines, and mirrors.

Beryllium alloys are used in automobiles, computers, sports equipment (golf clubs and bicycle frames), and dental bridges. Lung damage has been observed in people exposed to high levels of beryllium in the air. Beryllium blocks several hepatic enzyme systems. Marcotte and Witschi (l972) suggested that this element binds to chromatin and interferes with DNA synthesis. Preventive measures such as avoiding skin contact with beryllium to prevent sensitization are most important. Careful irrigation and debridement are recommended for wounds.

Urinary beryllium (Be) provides an estimate of a recent or ongoing exposure to the metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. After assimilation Be is slowly excreted in urine and may be found elevated many months after high level exposure.

Be is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but is readily absorbed across the lungs and skin. Inhalation is the primary route of significant exposure to Be, and may be associated with dyspnea, cough and pulmonary distress (berylliosis). Berylliosis, is an occupationally acquired lung disease that is associated with primary production, metal machining, and reclaiming scrap alloys. Other high-exposure occupations are in the nuclear power, aerospace, and electronics industries.

The diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea or otorrhea (leakage of CSF into the nose or ear canal, usually as a result of head trauma, tumor, congenital malformation, or surgery) is often difficult to confirm. Traditional chemical analyses (eg, glucose, protein, specific gravity) are unreliable. Radiographic studies, especially those involving the injection of dyes or radiographic compounds, are costly and may introduce additional risks to the patient.

β-alanine is a breakdown product of carnosine and anserine, which are dipeptides from meat consumption. Although β-alanine’s properties are limited, its relationship to carnosine makes it important. Both have antioxidant properties. And, as previously mentioned, carnosine is critical for pH buffering in skeletal muscle during exercise, but its formation can be limited by enzymatic factors.

For this reason, supplementation with β-alanine is sometimes used to enhance carnitine and therefore improve athletic performance. In addition to diet and supplementation, β-alanine can also be endogenously produced. This occurs via degradation of uracil in the liver but it can also be made by intestinal bacteria such as E. coli.

Beta-aminoisobutyric acid (also known as 3-aminoisobutyric acid) is a non-protein amino acid formed by the catabolism of valine and the nucleotide thymine. It is further catabolized to methylmalonic acid semialdehyde and propionyl-CoA. Levels are controlled by a vitamin B6-dependent reaction in the liver and kidneys. β-aminoisobutyric acid can also be produced by skeletal muscle during physical activity.

Beta-aminoisobutyric acid (also known as 3-aminoisobutyric acid) is a non-protein amino acid formed by the catabolism of valine and the nucleotide thymine. It is further catabolized to methylmalonic acid semialdehyde and propionyl-CoA. Levels are controlled by a vitamin B6-dependent reaction in the liver and kidneys. β-aminoisobutyric acid can also be produced by skeletal muscle during physical activity.

Beta defensin 2 is an antibiotic peptide locally regulated by inflammation in humans. It is produced by a number of epithelial cells and exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and Candida, but not Gram-positive bacteria. It has been speculated that beta-defensin 2 may contribute to the infrequency of Gram-negative infections on skin and lung tissue.

Beta Diversity is the variation of species when comparing the composition of two separate ecosystems. This marker compares the composition of your gut microbiome to healthy populations in order to illustrate notable differences. A higher Beta Diversity is preferred.

Protein in the serum is made up of albumin (∼60%) and globulin. Together with albumin, globulin forms the total protein level on a blood test lab report. It includes carrier proteins, enzymes, clotting factors, and, predominantly, antibodies.

Globulin is categorized into three main groups:

• alpha globulins
• beta globulins
• gamma globulins

Beta globulin proteins help carry substances, such as iron, through the bloodstream and help fight infection. They should normally not be detected in urine.

Beta globulins are a group of proteins in the blood plasma that include transferrin, hemopexin, complement proteins, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

The beta globulins percentage provides insight into the composition of proteins excreted in the urine. A deviation from the normal range can indicate an abnormality in protein synthesis, degradation, or loss.

Some beta globulins, like transferrin, are produced in the liver. Altered levels in the urine can indicate liver dysfunction, as the liver plays a critical role in synthesizing various plasma proteins.

The presence and levels of beta globulins in urine can help assess kidney function. Healthy kidneys typically prevent large proteins like globulins from being excreted in significant amounts. Therefore, elevated levels of beta globulins in the urine may indicate kidney damage or disease.

There are four main types of globulins. They are called

- alpha 1,

- alpha 2,

- beta,

- and gamma.