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?
A study on low-level cadmium exposure and its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) and incident fractures in elderly men was issued as part of the MrOS Sweden study. This research analyzed 936 men aged 70 to 81, investigating the relationship between cadmium exposure, dietary intake, smoking habits, and bone health. It found significant negative associations between urinary cadmium (U-Cd) levels and BMD, indicating that higher levels of cadmium exposure resulted in lower BMD across various bone sites. The study also found an increased risk of fractures, particularly nonvertebral osteoporosis-related fractures, in men with higher cadmium levels.
Who is affected?
The affected populations in this study include elderly men, especially those exposed to cadmium through diet or smoking. This group is particularly vulnerable as cadmium accumulates in the body over time, and its negative effects on bone health can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis-related conditions. The study highlights the importance of monitoring environmental cadmium exposure, especially for populations such as elderly smokers and individuals with high dietary cadmium intake.
Most important findings
The study confirmed that low-level cadmium exposure was significantly associated with lower BMD in elderly men, with reductions observed in total body, lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter BMD. The association was strongest in men with the highest quartile of U-Cd levels, showing a negative correlation between cadmium and bone strength. Additionally, the study found that cadmium exposure, even at low levels, increased the risk of nonvertebral osteoporosis fractures. These results indicate that even relatively low cadmium levels in the general population, whether through smoking or diet, may contribute to osteoporosis and fractures. The hazard ratios (HRs) for fractures were significantly higher in men with higher U-Cd levels, particularly for nonvertebral fractures. These findings stress the potential long-term effects of cadmium exposure on bone health.
Key implications
The findings have crucial implications for public health and food industry standards. As cadmium exposure continues to pose a risk to bone health, there is an urgent need for stronger regulations regarding cadmium levels in food, particularly in crops that tend to accumulate cadmium, such as cereals, vegetables, and potatoes. Reducing cadmium exposure through agricultural practices and smoking cessation programs could help mitigate the associated risks of osteoporosis and fractures in the elderly population. Moreover, food manufacturers, public health officials, and certifiers must consider cadmium as a critical contaminant and align future regulatory measures to limit its presence in food products. These results also underscore the need for more research into cadmium’s effects on bone quality and the implementation of preventive measures to protect at-risk populations.
Citation
Wallin, M., Barregard, L., Sallsten, G., Lundh, T., Karlsson, M. K., Lorentzon, M., Ohlsson, C., & Mellström, D. (2015). Low‐Level Cadmium Exposure Is Associated With Decreased Bone Mineral Density and Increased Risk of Incident Fractures in Elderly Men: The MrOS Sweden Study.Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 31(4), 732. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.2743
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.
