Hair cadmium (Cd) levels provide an indication of mild to moderate exposure to the nephrotoxic metal. Very high exposure and assimilation of Cd destroys the hair follicle. Cd is a toxic heavy metal that has no metabolic function in the body. Moderately high Cd exposure may be associated with hypertension, while very severe Cd toxicity may cause hypotension. Cd adversely affects the kidneys, lungs, testes, arterial walls, and bones and interferes with many enzymatic reactions. Chronic Cd excess can lead to microcytic, hypochromic anemia and proteinuria with excretion of beta-2-microglobin, and functional zinc deficiency. Cd excess is also commonly associated with fatigue, hypertension, kidney disease, weight loss, osteomalacia, and lumbar pain.

Urinary cadmium (Cd) provides an indication of recent or ongoing exposure to the toxic metal, and endogenous detoxification to a lesser extent. Most of absorbed Cd is retained in the liver and kidneys for many years. A small portion of assimilated Cd body leaves slowly in urine and bile/feces. Absorption, systemic transport and cellular uptake of Cd are mediated by metal transporters that the body uses for the essential elements iron, zinc and calcium.

SOURCES:

Found in food such as shellfish, leafy vegetables, rice, cereals, cocoa butter, dried seaweed, and legumes. Also present in nickel cadmium batteries, cigarette smoke (including second-hand smoke), insecticides, fertilizer, motor oil, emissions and exhaust. Drinking water, air, and occupational exposures are also seen.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Iron deficiency is associated with higher cadmium burden and absorption of cadmium may increase during very early stages of iron deficiency. Zinc deficiency is associated with an increase in Cadmium, as a result of the antagonistic relationship between the elements.

Dietary cadmium inhibits GI absorption of calcium and interferes with calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Low dietary calcium stimulates synthesis of calcium- binding protein which enhances Cadmium absorption.

Cadmium is a heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time and may cause harmful effects at elevated levels. When measured through hair analysis, cadmium reflects long-term exposure to this toxic element, offering insight into environmental or occupational sources of contamination.

What is Cadmium?

Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal found in the earth’s crust. It’s commonly used in:

• Batteries (especially nickel-cadmium batteries)

• Pigments and coatings

• Cigarette smoke

• Industrial processes like metal plating, mining, and smelting

Humans can absorb cadmium through inhalation, contaminated food, water, or tobacco smoke.

SOURCES:

Found in food such as shellfish, leafy vegetables, rice, cereals, cocoa butter, dried seaweed, and legumes. Also present in nickel cadmium batteries, cigarette smoke (including second-hand smoke), insecticides, fertilizer, motor oil, emissions and exhaust. Drinking water, air, and occupational exposures are also seen.

NUTRIENT INTERACTIONS:

Iron deficiency is associated with higher cadmium burden and absorption of cadmium may increase during very early stages of iron deficiency. Zinc deficiency is associated with an increase in Cadmium, as a result of the antagonistic relationship between the elements.

Dietary cadmium inhibits GI absorption of calcium and interferes with calcium and vitamin D metabolism. Low dietary calcium stimulates synthesis of calcium- binding protein which enhances Cadmium absorption.

Whole blood cadmium is within the normal reference range, which is a favorable finding indicating low recent exposure to this toxic metal. However, if cadmium levels are at the high end of the normal range, it is important to also measure urinary cadmium, which better reflects long-term body burden.

Cadmium bioaccumulates in the body over time. At birth, cadmium levels are minimal, but by age 30, accumulated levels may reach a point where they begin to negatively affect health. Cadmium has a biological half-life of 15–30 years in the kidneys, making urine testing the preferred method for assessing cumulative, lifetime exposure.

Cadmium is a non-essential, highly toxic element. It is:

• A known kidney toxin

• A neurotoxin affecting peripheral nerves

• An estrogen mimic that can disrupt hormonal balance

• A Group 1 carcinogen (classified by the IARC)

Fecal cadmium (Cd) provides an estimate of very recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent the biliary excretion of Cd from the body. Cd absorption is suppressed to some extent with appropriate intake of zinc, calcium, and selenium. Cd is found in varying amounts in foods, from very low for some fruits to high in some shellfish (oysters, anchovies) and organ meats. Root vegetables tend to have higher Cd content than other vegetables. Refined carbohydrates have very little zinc in relation to the Cd. Other sources of Cd include human biosolids, pigments and paints, batteries (Ni-Cd), plastics and synthetic rubber (tires).

The principal organs most vulnerable to cadmium toxicity are kidney and lung. Environmental cadmium exposure is associated with renal tubular damage and high blood pressure. Cadmium toxicity impacts the kidney, where damage to proximal tubules has been described. Also, cadmium compounds are classified as carcinogenic to humans.

Associated conditions include:

→ Renal: hypertension, kidney failure

→ Neurological: loss of coordination, numbness of limbs, loss of hearing

Whole blood cadmium is indicative of recent exposure, and is therefore not reflective of total-body burden. Normal concentration of whole blood cadmium is up to 1 μg/L for nonsmokers, and up to 4 μg/L for smokers. Whole blood levels of 10 μg/L have been associated with renal dysfunction.

The principal organs most vulnerable to cadmium toxicity are your kidney and lung. Environmental cadmium exposure is associated with renal tubular damage and high blood pressure. Cadmium toxicity impacts the kidney, where damage to proximal tubules has been described. Also, cadmium compounds are classified as carcinogenic to humans.

Cadmium, a common environmental pollutant and a major constituent of tobacco smoke, has been identified as a new class of endocrine disruptors with a wide range of detrimental effects on reproduction.