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

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