Cadmium

Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth's crust, primarily used in industrial processes such as battery manufacturing, pigments, and metal coatings. It is not essential for human health and is considered highly toxic. Cadmium enters the human body mainly through ingestion of contaminated food and water, and inhalation of cigarette smoke or industrial emissions. Once absorbed, cadmium accumulates in the liver and kidneys, where it can remain for decades due to its long biological half-life of 25-30 years. The body has limited ability to excrete cadmium, leading to its accumulation and potential toxicity over time.

Reference Ranges for Cadmium in nmol/L:

Non-smokers <30.0 nmol/L

Smokers <54.0 nmol/L

Cadmium exposure is a significant health concern due to its association with various diseases and physiological disruptions. Chronic exposure to cadmium can lead to kidney damage, as the metal accumulates in the renal cortex, impairing kidney function and increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease. Cadmium is also linked to bone demineralization, leading to conditions such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Additionally, cadmium exposure is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including lung, prostate, and breast cancer, due to its ability to induce oxidative stress, DNA damage, and epigenetic changes. The metal can also interfere with the body's endocrine system, affecting hormone regulation and reproductive health. Furthermore, cadmium exposure has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, as it can promote atherosclerosis and hypertension. The toxic effects of cadmium are exacerbated by its ability to replace essential metals in biological systems, disrupting normal cellular functions and metabolic processes.

Cadmium levels in the body can fluctuate due to various factors:

• Dietary factors: Consumption of foods grown in contaminated soil, such as leafy vegetables, grains, and shellfish, can increase cadmium intake. Offal, such as liver and kidneys, also contains higher levels of cadmium.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking is a major source of cadmium exposure, as tobacco plants readily absorb cadmium from the soil. Occupational exposure in industries such as battery manufacturing, metal smelting, and welding can also contribute to higher cadmium levels.

• Related biomarkers: Blood and urine cadmium levels are commonly used to assess exposure. Elevated levels of β2-microglobulin in urine can indicate kidney damage due to cadmium toxicity.

• Micronutrient impacts: Deficiencies in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc can increase cadmium absorption in the intestines.

• Environmental influences: Living in areas with high industrial pollution, contaminated water sources, or using phosphate fertilizers can increase cadmium exposure.

If your results are high:

• Diet: Reduce consumption of foods known to contain high levels of cadmium, such as shellfish, offal, and leafy vegetables from contaminated areas.

• Lifestyle:

  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

  • Use protective equipment if working in industries with cadmium exposure.

• Supplements: Consider taking supplements of essential minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc to reduce cadmium absorption.

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