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.

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.

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.

Exposure to inorganic cadmium fumes in industrial settings can cause various health issues such as fatigue, coughing, chest pain, a burning sensation in the throat, and kidney damage. People with cadmium-induced kidney problems generally have a poor prognosis, with urinary β-microglobulin and urinary protein being critical indicators. Inhalation of cadmium fumes can result in pneumonia with acute exposure and emphysema with prolonged exposure.

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal found in soil, water, and air. Plants may contain high levels; foods that tend to accumulate it include soy, rice, tobacco, sunflower seeds and leafy greens. Health problems result from cadmium exposure.

What is Calcitonin?

Calcitonin is a hormone that plays a role in regulating the level of calcium in your blood by decreasing it. 

What is a calcitonin test?

A calcitonin test measures the level of calcitonin in a sample of your blood. Calcitonin is a hormone that helps control the level of calcium in your blood. Calcitonin is made in your thyroid gland by cells called "C cells." Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck.

Where is Calcitonin produced?

Calcitonin is a hormone that is produced in humans by the parafollicular cells (commonly known as C-cells) of the thyroid gland. 

Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D. It is also known as 1,25(OH)2D. Calcitriol has long been known for its important role in regulating body levels of calcium and phosphorus, and in mineralization of bone.

Calcium is essential for bones and teeth, heart, nerves, muscles, and blood clotting.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral element in your body, because it is the major element in bones. Serum and red blood cell calcium, however, do not represent bone mineral content or dietary adequacy.

Although most of the body’s calcium is stored in bones, some circulates in the blood. About 40% of the calcium in blood is attached to proteins in blood, mainly albumin. Protein-bound calcium acts as a reserve source of calcium for the cells but has no active function in the body.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with 99% residing in bones and teeth. As a component of hard tissues, Calcium fulfills a structural role to maintain body size and act as attachments for musculoskeletal tissues.