The importance of vitamins in relation to the presence of heavy metals in food.
Heavy metals are among the most widespread potential chemical contaminants in the environment and may be transferred to man through diet. Cadmium, mercury and lead are those which are most dangerous to human health. The nutritional status of exposed subjects is of particular interest in the study of the biochemical and morphological changes linked to heavy metal intoxication. Some vitamins play an efficacious protective role through direct or indirect mechanisms which interfere with the intestinal absorption of heavy metals by increasing urinary excretion or creating a synergic effect on the chelating element. It is important to underline the importance of an adequate vitamin intake in the prevention and treatment of cadmium, mercury and lead intoxications.
University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
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Iannucci
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002105:Cadmium Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D005506:Food Contamination; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014803:Vitamin B Complex; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid