The influence of calcium content in diet on cumulation and toxicity of cadmium in the organism

Abstract

Voluminous literature data show that great interdependence exists between the nutrition status of the organism and the degree of accumulation and toxicity of heavy metals. In this work, the connection between dietary calcium and cadmium toxicity is discussed from the toxicological point of view. Cadmium is one of the most dangerous occupational and environmental poisons. The intake of diet containing an inappropriate amount of calcium causes increased absorption of cadmium from the gastrointestinal tract and increased accumulation of this metal in the organism, finally leading to enhancement of cadmium toxic action. The large intake of calcium protects against absorption, cumulation and toxicity of this heavy metal. Interactions between calcium and cadmium may take place at different stages of their metabolism (absorption, distribution in the organism, elimination) and cadmium may interfere with the biological functions of Ca2+ ions.