Nutritional factors in relation to heavy metal toxicants

Journal Article · Thu Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1977 · Fed. Proc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7212780

Levander, O A

An increased environmental exposure to various toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, or mercury seems to be a fact of 20th-century life. But relatively little attention has been paid to the possible implications of such exposure for the nutritional status of humans and animals. This review summarizes the information available concerning the effect of various nutritional factors in resistance to metal toxicants and the effect of heavy metal toxicity on nutritional status. In particular, the following questions are considered: (1) Are there any examples of heavy metal toxicity that are potentiated by a nutritional deficiency. (2) Is there any evidence that nutritional deficiency can be caused by heavy metal toxicity. (3) Is there any proof that heavy metal toxicity can be decreased by an excess intake of nutrients. (4) Is there any proof that heavy metal toxicity can be increased by an excess intake of nutrients. The discussion is focused primarily on studies with animal models but, wherever possible, implications for human health are pointed out.

• Research Organization: Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD
• OSTI ID: 7212780
• Journal Information: Fed. Proc.; (United States), Journal Name: Fed. Proc.; (United States) Vol. 36:5; ISSN FEPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550500 -- Metabolism
560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL MODELS
CADMIUM
ELEMENTS
LEAD
MAMMALS
MAN
MERCURY
METALS
NUTRITION
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES