Cadmium is a toxic trace mineral. Although there is possibility that cadmium is an essential element at very low intakes, it is more concern because of its toxic properties.
Cadmium’s toxic effects are kept under control when balanced by adequate body stores of zinc.
Hazardous cadmium levels lead to nephrotoxic effects, i.e. renal tubular dysfunction. Cadmium furthermore inhibits several SH-containing enzymes in the brain, while chronic cadmium exposure leads to reduced levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine.
Cadmium is a potent antagonist of several essential minerals, including zinc, copper, iron and calcium.
Cadmium cam accumulate to toxic levels over a lifetime because the mineral is not well excreted by the human body. However cadmium is poorly absorbed, so normal dietary intake does not warrant concern for toxicity.
Whole foods have a more desirable ratio of cadmium to zinc than refined foods such as white flour, white rice and sugar.
Coffee, tea and shellfish are other dietary sources of cadmium.
Anemia, proteinuria, and amino aciduria are associated with high concentration of cadmium (10 to 100 times normal) in liver and kidney.
Cadmium levels are typically higher in people that eat excessive amounts of carbohydrates. It means that consumptions of fats or refined foods that are low in nutrients increase the body’s cadmium levels.
Daily intakes by human adults have been estimated to be 25 to 60 mg/day. About 5% of dietary cadmium is absorbed.
Cadmium in Human Body
