what is actually experienced. Like feeling a bad taste in the mouth etc..

my friend doesnt understand this term thanks

Very often it signifies nutrient deficiency; many vitamins are what's known as a chelating agent – that is: they readily form complex compounds with metals.

This is somewhat off piste, but the question: "how does the gas chamber work" helps to explain. whenever somebody is executed in this manner, the (hydrogen) cyanide they are forced to inhale attaches itself to the iron in the blood, this in turn prevents the blood from carrying oxygen, then the victim gets asphyxiated.

OK – back so question, and I apologise for the gruesome example!

Many vitamins exhibit this kind of function – they have "hooks" in their molecular structure which are euphemistically referred to as teeth (hence the term bidentate ligand or two-toothed complexing agent).

Since we all need trace elements such as zinc and selenium for instance, we also have a need for vitamins to transport them.

Often, therefore, the metallic taste is a warning that we are deficient in something, and this is a frequent occurrence during pregnancy.

Hope this helps.

Hey, the metallic taste feels like eating pennies………….. here is some info on it:

Metallic Taste (Dysgeusia)

What it is: Dysgeusia is the medical term for a change in your sense of taste; most often, you'll get a sour or metallic taste (yuck!) that persists even when you're not eating.

What causes the metallic taste:
Hormones, and in particular estrogen, seem to play a role in controlling and moderating our sense of taste. and when you're pregnant, estrogen levels — and hence your sense of taste — may fluctuate widely. plus, your sense of taste and your sense of smell are intimately connected, so pregnancy-related changes in your sense of smell may also lead to dysgeusia.

What you need to know about it:
For something we don't hear much about, dysgeusia is surprisingly common in pregnancy. Like morning sickness, it should get better (or, if you're lucky, disappear altogether) in your second trimester when those hormones begin to settle down a bit.

What to do about it:
Try banishing that metallic taste with acids. Focus on sour flavors such as citrus juices, lemonade, and — assuming your tummy can handle them — foods marinated in vinegar (pickles anyone? After all, you are pregnant). all these foods not only have the power to break through the metallic taste in your mouth, they also increase saliva production, which will help wash it away. you might also talk to your practitioner about changing your prenatal vitamin; some seem to lead to metal mouth more than others.

Another trick:
Try brushing your tongue each time you brush your teeth, or rinse your mouth with a mild salt solution (a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) or a baking soda solution (1/4 teaspoon baking soda in eight ounces of water) a few times a day to neutralize pH levels in your mouth and keep away that flinty flavor.

all the best

It is surprisingly common (ehealthforum.com/health/topic3994… said to be like tin or aluminum. there are many ideas about causes out there some are silly, other just a bit scary (au.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…

Bottom line is that it could be a lot of things, it may be buildup of 'stuff' that's leaching out, it may be changes in perception (like cravings), it may be changes in the balance of mouth bacteria (often tied to antibiotics BUT try not to take any while pregnant unless truly necessary).

It could also be acids reacting with metal in the mouth (stanford.wellsphere.com/dental-he… Could be a bit of a worry if there are old-style mercury amalgam fillings. (If yes, lay off the acid foods)

For some it passes quickly, others seem to have it for weeks.

Watch and see.

Well heres a list of things that could cause it:
healthblurbs.com/many-causes-…

This one names some other things as well as some things to do to fight it:
lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/m…

I never got a metallic taste in my mouth. not all women get it. the strangest thing I noticed for myself really early in pregnancy was that I kept on getting cramps in my upper legs near the groin area.

It's just an odd taste, like when you put a spoon in your mouth and it tastes odd when you remove it. it can also be alikened to blood.

It sometimes comes from decaying teeth, or chemical poisoning. go to the dentist or doctor. it could be very serious.

kind of like one would imagine the after taste of sucking on a nickel would be like

Tell your friend to suck a brass candlestick for a few minutes. That'll give him an idea.

It's hard to explain. It's like a sharp, almost sour taste.

it means you have plenty of iron in your system. i got this when i was taking iron tablets durin pregnancy

any chance its blood? thats how blood tastes to me.