Nutritional factors in relation to heavy metal toxicants.
Levander OA.
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 sucy
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.
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MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
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YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.