Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article investigates the effects of cadmium exposure during pregnancy and lactation, focusing on its relationship with iron status. The study shows that iron deficiency during pregnancy increases the absorption and body burden of cadmium. The study measured cadmium levels in blood, urine, and placenta, comparing them with maternal iron status using markers like serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor. The findings indicate that women with depleted iron stores during pregnancy exhibited significantly higher blood and urinary cadmium levels, particularly during lactation and post-lactation periods. This research underscores the need for further understanding of the interaction between iron deficiency and cadmium exposure, highlighting potential risks to both maternal and fetal health.
Who is affected?
Pregnant women, especially those with iron deficiencies, are directly affected by the findings. The study focuses on women during pregnancy and lactation, with a particular emphasis on those who exhibit low iron levels. These women are at higher risk for increased cadmium absorption, leading to greater cadmium body burden and potential health risks. Workers in industries with cadmium exposure, as well as individuals living in areas with high environmental cadmium levels, may also be indirectly affected, particularly if they have pre-existing iron deficiency. The general public, particularly populations in regions with high dietary cadmium levels, may also be at risk, as iron deficiency exacerbates cadmium absorption.
Most important findings
The study’s most important findings include the significant correlation between low iron stores and increased cadmium levels in both blood and urine among pregnant women. Women with exhausted iron stores had higher blood and urinary cadmium levels during pregnancy and lactation. These women demonstrated a 40% to 50% increase in cadmium levels compared to those with sufficient iron status. The study suggests that low iron levels lead to enhanced cadmium absorption due to increased intestinal iron transport, which also facilitates the absorption of cadmium. Furthermore, the study found that multiparous women (those who have had multiple pregnancies) showed a more pronounced increase in urinary cadmium levels with age, further complicating the effects of cadmium exposure in these populations.
Key implications
For the food industry, particularly those in the agricultural sector, the findings suggest that greater attention should be paid to the iron status of populations who are at risk for cadmium exposure, including pregnant women. Policies should aim to reduce dietary cadmium contamination, especially in foods like rice and vegetables, which are known to accumulate cadmium. Food certification standards should include regular testing for cadmium levels, particularly in regions with known contamination. Public health officials should emphasize the importance of proper iron nutrition for pregnant women, alongside guidelines to reduce cadmium exposure through dietary, environmental, and occupational measures. This research highlights the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to monitor cadmium levels in food, drinking water, and air, especially in areas with high industrial cadmium emissions.
Citation
Åkesson, A., Berglund, M., Schütz, A., Bjellerup, P., Bremme, K., & Vahter, M. (2002). Cadmium Exposure in Pregnancy and Lactation in Relation to Iron Status. American Journal of Public Health, 92(2), 284. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.92.2.284
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
