Cadmium inhibits zinc utilization
- which can harm pregnancy and general health
Cadmium is a widespread environmental toxin that accumulates in the body through the food chain, air pollution, and tobacco smoke. According to a new study published in the Journal of Women’s Health, pregnant women exposed to high levels of cadmium have an increased risk of developing a critical condition called preeclampsia. In addition, long-term exposure to cadmium can cause kidney damage, osteoporosis, and respiratory cancer. Evidence also suggests that cadmium interferes with the body’s utilization of zinc, a mineral that plays a role in hundreds of enzymatic processes and functions as an important antioxidant that protects cells. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize cadmium exposure as much as possible and to ensure an adequate zinc intake.
Cadmium occurs naturally in soil, but levels can be increased by factors such as artificial fertilizers, atmospheric fallout, and the spreading of sludge from sewage treatment plants. Sunflower seeds and flaxseeds absorb relatively large amounts of cadmium from the soil. Crabs, mussels, shrimp, dark chocolate, and certain wild mushrooms can also contribute to a higher intake. Cadmium is furthermore found in tobacco smoke, welding fumes, various types of paint, and older rechargeable batteries.
In the short term, acute cadmium poisoning can cause very serious symptoms such as pulmonary edema and, in severe cases, death. In the long term, cadmium can accumulate in the kidneys and cause chronic kidney disease. Kidney damage can also lead to increased excretion of calcium in the urine, which may result in osteoporosis and a higher risk of fractures. Prolonged cadmium exposure, particularly from tobacco smoke, can cause lung cancer. Cadmium poisoning may also damage the brain, negatively affecting cognitive function and lowering IQ, especially in children and following early exposure.
A key reason for cadmium’s toxicity is its chemical similarity to zinc in the periodic table. In certain biochemical contexts, cadmium binds much more effectively than zinc, thereby inhibiting zinc utilization. Naturally, this can lead to many different health problems, as zinc is involved in hundreds of enzymatic processes related to growth, fertility, vision, immune function, and mental balance. In addition, zinc is a component of an important antioxidant (SOD) that protects the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
Connection between cadmium, zinc deficiency, and the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women
In a new study published in the International Journal of Women’s Health, researchers examined whether blood levels of cadmium and zinc in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.
The condition, also known as toxemia of pregnancy, is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headache, visual disturbances, chest pain, and fluid retention. Between two and eight percent of all pregnant women worldwide develop preeclampsia. In the worst cases, the condition can lead to loss of consciousness and life-threatening seizures (eclampsia), which is a leading cause of maternal death globally. Therefore, more attention should be given to identifying causes and prevention strategies.
According to the introduction of the new study, preeclampsia is closely linked to dysfunctions in the placenta, with oxidative stress being one of the main mechanisms. Oxidative stress occurs when potentially harmful free radicals outnumber the protective antioxidants, allowing them to damage healthy cells and tissues, which can cause placental dysfunction.
As mentioned earlier, cadmium can accumulate in the body through smoking, the food chain, and other sources of exposure, which also increases the risk of oxidative stress in the placenta. It is well documented that zinc, as an important antioxidant, protects the placenta from oxidative stress. Moreover, zinc plays a vital role in numerous processes involved in fetal growth and development.
Nevertheless, the exact interactions between cadmium, zinc, and preeclampsia have remained unclear.
The new study included 100 pregnant women, 60 of whom developed preeclampsia. Various blood and tissue samples showed that those who developed preeclampsia had significantly higher cadmium levels in their placentas compared with women who did not develop the condition. At the same time, the women with preeclampsia had significantly lower zinc concentrations in both blood and placental tissue. The researchers also found that cadmium can affect the transport and metabolism of zinc in the placenta. This disruption of zinc function may specifically lead to increased expression of certain proteins known as FOXO3a, which impair the blood supply to the placenta and, by way of other mechanisms, contribute to the development of preeclampsia.
The researchers therefore conclude that cadmium accumulation in the placenta can impair zinc transport and utilization, resulting in increased expression of FOXO3a due to oxidative stress.
In rare cases, cadmium may also interfere with the body’s balance by replacing magnesium and calcium.
References:
Ailing Dint et al. Study on the Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Zink metabolism and FOXO3a Expression in Preeclampsia Maternal-Fetal System. International Journal of Women’s Health 2025.
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