Cadmium
The accumulator. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal with a half-life of 10-30 years in the body—it builds up over time. It primarily damages the kidneys and weakens bones. Smoking is the biggest source, but it's also in chocolate, rice, leafy greens from contaminated soil, and some occupations. Zinc is protective.
Cadmium Sources
Cigarette Smoke
Largest source. Tobacco plants accumulate cadmium. Secondhand exposure too.
Chocolate/Cocoa
Cocoa beans absorb cadmium from soil. Dark chocolate higher. Source matters.
Rice
Paddy rice absorbs cadmium from water. Asian rice often higher. Same as arsenic.
Leafy Greens
Spinach, lettuce from contaminated soil. Organic doesn't mean cadmium-free.
Shellfish
Oysters, mussels accumulate from water. Liver/organs concentrate metals.
Occupational
Battery manufacturing, electroplating, welding, painting. Industrial exposure.
Health Effects
Kidney Damage
Accumulates in proximal tubules. Causes renal tubular dysfunction. Protein loss.
Bone Disease
Itai-itai disease. Softens bones. Increases fracture risk. Calcium displacement.
Cardiovascular
Hypertension, atherosclerosis. Endothelial damage. Heart disease risk.
Cancer
Class 1 carcinogen. Lung cancer (inhalation). Prostate, kidney associations.
Zinc Displacement
Competes with zinc at enzymes. Impairs zinc-dependent processes.
Iron Deficiency
Low iron increases cadmium absorption. Women and vegetarians at higher risk.
Protection & Reduction
Don't Smoke
Most important intervention. Avoid secondhand smoke too.
Optimize Zinc
Zinc competes with cadmium. Adequate zinc is protective. Oysters, beef.
Ensure Iron Status
Iron deficiency increases cadmium absorption. Test ferritin. Replete if low.
Vary Food Sources
Don't overload on high-cadmium foods. Rotate chocolate, rice sources.
Calcium Adequacy
Low calcium increases cadmium absorption. Ensures adequate intake.
Slow Excretion
Body excretes cadmium very slowly. Prevention better than detox. EDTA for severe cases.