Effect of the Consumption of Humic Acid with Bound Complex Micro Elements
in Cases of Occupational Cadmium Exposure
Aranka Hudák, Miklós Náray, Imre Nagy and György
Ungváry
National Institute of Occupational Health, Budapest, Hungary.
Corresponding author: Aranka Hudák M.D., Ph.D.
National Institute of Occupational Health
Nagyvárad tér 2. Budapest, H-1096. Hungary
Postal address: P.O.Box 22. H-1450 Budapest, Hungary
Tel.: (+36) 1 215 7890
Fax: (+36) 1 215 6891
CEJOEM 1997, 3:175-186
Key words:
Cadmium, occupational exposure, humic acid, micro-elements, health
protection.
Abbreviations:
ALAT: alanin aminotransferase;
ASAT: aspartate aminotransferase;
Cd-B: blood cadmium concentration;
Cd-U: urine cadmium concentration;
EQC: external quality control;
GGT: gamma glutamyl transferase;
HME: humic acid with bound microelements;
IQC: internal quality control;
NAG: N-acetyl-glucosaminidase;
SD: standard deviation;
Cr : creatinine
Abstract:
Based on the metal chelating capacity of humic acid and the well-known
interaction of cadmium with other micro/trace elements, this study was
aimed at determining whether the daily consumption of humic acid with
bound
complex micro elements (HME) has beneficial effect in cadmium workers.
Blood and urine cadmium concentrations (Cd-B and Cd-U), haematology, liver
and kidney tests were measured in two groups of cadmium exposed workers
(Group A: 9 persons working in alkaline battery production; Group B: 22
persons working in a metal plating workshop) before and after a six-week
treatment schedule. Cd-B was significantly decreased in group A from 47.73
to 27.24 mmol/l and in group B from 8.55 to 7.17 mmol/l. Cd-U was increased
significantly in group A from 3.21 to 4.25 nmol/mmol creatinine but not
in group B. In most cases the initially abnormal serum iron levels and
markers of liver and kidney function improved. Daily consumption of HME
for six weeks seems to decrease uptake and increase urinary excretion of
cadmium and to improve the iron status and other adverse laboratory changes
found in the workers. Regular consumption of HME may contribute to health
protection an effective means of prevention and in cases of occupational
cadmium exposure.
Received: 16 July 1997
Accepted: 12 August 1997
Posted: 25 November 1998 |
| Back |
|
|