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Tim's Log

#321 · November 11, 2023, 10:58 pm

From the small amount of research I have done my impression is that arsenic is easier to excrete than mercury which in turn is easier to excrete than cadmium.

Lipoic acid appears to be somewhat protective against cadmium toxicity but it doesn't look like it facilitates excretion of it.

Have you tried chelating mercury with EDTA?

#322 · November 11, 2023, 11:00 pm

Quote from tim on November 11, 2023, 11:00 pm
EDTA suppositories may be an easier, safer and cheaper way to use EDTA.

An Update and Review of Unconventional Metals Testing and Treatment

Some practitioners have advocated for unconventional methods for administering chelating agents, such as through topical (dermatological) and/or rectal administration. These are not FDA approved methods for delivery, and since they are still under the category of “supplement” they have not been studied with the same rigor as a medication [36]. In particular, EDTA suppositories are commonly found and promoted on internet sites. Removal of heavy metals by EDTA rectal suppositories is claimed to be non-invasive, quick, ready-to-use, and medically equal to IV chelation [37,38]. The proposed mechanism [39] is that EDTA is absorbed into systemic circulation via the bowel wall, chelates toxic metals in the circulation and from deposits in tissue storage sites and then excretes them. The two most common formulas of EDTA rectal suppositories on the current U.S. market are calcium di-sodium EDTA and magnesium di-potassium EDTA. Although Ellithorpe, R. et al. claims that Detoxamin™ (Calcium di-sodium EDTA suppository) has been proven clinically effective to decrease levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, uric acid, and blood cholesterol in clinical studies [37,38], the amount of systemic absorption of the EDTA suppositories is debated [38].
The manufacturer of one EDTA suppository called Medicardium® claimed that this product could reduce the symptoms of diabetes type 1 [40]. However, the result of the study has been called into question because it was conducted in only 29 subjects and data on the placebo-only subjects is not given, as the majority of them did not complete the study. In addition, the follow up period of blood glucose level was only 2 months and the study was not designed to control for other confounding factors. In October 2010, concern about the efficacy and safety of these agents prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish a warning to marketers of some of these suppositories, claiming that they were violating federal law by making fraudulent health claims [23,41]. Even though adequate scientific evidence for these claims is lacking, EDTA suppositories are still being used by practitioners, and sold to consumers without adequate understanding of confirmed benefits or full understanding of potential risks.
While some chelators can be obtained from traditional pharmacies via prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, others are available from alternate sources such as compounding pharmacies and via multiple internet sites. Many of these internet available agents come in atypical formulations and concentrations potentially leading to dosage errors and toxicity from the chelating agents [42]. Toxicity from chelation agents ranges from allergic reactions to alteration of liver and kidney function.

Here's the study:

Comparison of the Absorption, Brain and Prostate Distribution, and Elimination of CaNa2 EDTA of Rectal Chelation Suppositories to Intravenous Administration

Rectal suppositories were compared to IV administration of C14-labeled calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaNa2EDTA) to evaluate the absorption, brain and prostate tissue distribution, and excretion in rats. The absolute bioavailability of CaNa2EDTA in blood following rectal dosing was 36.3% of the IV dose route, which confirmed that rectal dosing is an efficient method for delivering ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to tissues. The ratio of radioactive residues of EDTA in tissues compared to blood, following IV or rectal dosing of C14 labeled CaNa2EDTA, showed negligible brain localization. However, prostate tissues were found to have a mean ratio of 3.69 via the IV route and 13.6 rectally. The total recovery of C14 EDTA expressed as percent of administered dosed IV was a mean of 47.3% and 30.3% rectally at eight hours when the test was concluded. The suppository formulation of CaNa2 appears to be well absorbed, delivering high levels of EDTA to prostate tissue.

More information:

Calcium Disodium EDTA Chelation Suppositories: A Novel Approach for Removing Heavy Metal Toxins in Clinical Practice

Chelation is a modality that effectively eliminates heavy metals systemically: initially from the
blood circulation and then the tissues in which they are sequestered. The standard method for eliminating
heavy metals uses IV chelators, such as calcium disodium EDTA or DMPS. There are transdermal
methods of treatment using DMSA, as well as oral chelating agents, such as penicillamine; however
intravenous IV EDTA chelation is probably the best-known approach.

In contrast to oral EDTA, IV EDTA is well absorbed and this method of delivery been the gold
standard of treatment for more than 70 years. However, newer non-invasive approaches, such as rectal
suppository EDTA chelation, are effective and less expensive than IV EDTA, and there are studies
validating the effectiveness of this modality. The rectal delivery method is simple and eliminates the need
to spend four hours at a time in an IV room. Rectal Suppository chelation ensures that EDTA is absorbed
and bioavailable to all tissues and organs.

In our practice, we specifically use Detoxamin calcium disodium EDTA suppositories from World
Health Products of Draper, Utah. We have confidence in this particular brand because its efficacy has
been proven through clinical and pre-clinical studies. We have been using this modality clinically for
nearly ten years, with tens of thousands of dosing experiences. It is quick, easy to use, safe, and
inexpensive for the patient – approximately one-fourth or less the cost of IV treatments. Calcium disodium
EDTA chelation supports broad-spectrum heavy metal removal and is approved by the United States
Food and Drug Administration.

Rectal suppository chelation has been proven effective in pre-clinical and clinical studies. In one
animal study, we used C14 radioactive-labeled EDTA and a carbon-based amino acid, and compared
rectal suppository and IV methods of delivery in rats. Blood samples were drawn at various times from
five minutes to eight hours and tissue samples were harvested at one and eight hours in both groups of
animals.18 The study showed that although IV administration yielded high initial blood levels of EDTA that
peaked within minutes, by one hour almost all of the EDTA had been excreted. In contrast, eight hours
after insertion of anal suppositories there were still significant levels of C14 radioactive-labeled EDTA in
the blood. When the tissue levels of EDTA were compared, there were also differences. For example,
after eight hours there was greater than three-times the level of EDTA in prostate tissue from animals
containing rectal suppositories than in animals given EDTA by IV administration.

The half-life of EDTA in suppository form has been compared to IV administration in animal
studies. A half-life pharmacokinetic study of the trans-rectal and IV delivery systems was conducted, and
we found blood-to-tissue ratio absorption almost 3.5 times higher with the trans-rectal delivery than the IV
delivery of EDTA. IV EDTA showed a typical spike of delivery within minutes in the blood, with rapid
removal pharmacokinetics and a half-life of approximately 1.5 hours. In contrast, the rectal suppository
pharmacokinetics in the blood revealed a biphasic, more gradual rise and decrease with a half-life of over
eight hours (Figure 3).

The rectal admission of medicine is well established. However, the absorption of drugs has
always been an issue. Some of the best transrectal medications only achieve 20-25 percent
bioavailability. However, our animal studies revealed an EDTA absorption level from the calcium
disodium EDTA suppositories of 36.3 percent compared to IV administration (Figure 3). The slow and
constant movement of EDTA from the suppositories to the blood to various tissues is likely to have less
toxicity than IV bolus administration. It delivers EDTA in a continuous, lower concentration for longer
periods of time, allowing the EDTA to bind metals more efficiently and effectively.

Note that other EDTA suppositories may not be able to make the above claim, since they were
not tested in similar animal studies. The research performed here used Detoxamin™ chelation
suppositories and we can only recommend this suppository formula based on our studies.

EDTA suppositories may be an easier, safer and cheaper way to use EDTA.

An Update and Review of Unconventional Metals Testing and Treatment

Some practitioners have advocated for unconventional methods for administering chelating agents, such as through topical (dermatological) and/or rectal administration. These are not FDA approved methods for delivery, and since they are still under the category of “supplement” they have not been studied with the same rigor as a medication [36]. In particular, EDTA suppositories are commonly found and promoted on internet sites. Removal of heavy metals by EDTA rectal suppositories is claimed to be non-invasive, quick, ready-to-use, and medically equal to IV chelation [37,38]. The proposed mechanism [39] is that EDTA is absorbed into systemic circulation via the bowel wall, chelates toxic metals in the circulation and from deposits in tissue storage sites and then excretes them. The two most common formulas of EDTA rectal suppositories on the current U.S. market are calcium di-sodium EDTA and magnesium di-potassium EDTA. Although Ellithorpe, R. et al. claims that Detoxamin™ (Calcium di-sodium EDTA suppository) has been proven clinically effective to decrease levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, uric acid, and blood cholesterol in clinical studies [37,38], the amount of systemic absorption of the EDTA suppositories is debated [38].
The manufacturer of one EDTA suppository called Medicardium® claimed that this product could reduce the symptoms of diabetes type 1 [40]. However, the result of the study has been called into question because it was conducted in only 29 subjects and data on the placebo-only subjects is not given, as the majority of them did not complete the study. In addition, the follow up period of blood glucose level was only 2 months and the study was not designed to control for other confounding factors. In October 2010, concern about the efficacy and safety of these agents prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to publish a warning to marketers of some of these suppositories, claiming that they were violating federal law by making fraudulent health claims [23,41]. Even though adequate scientific evidence for these claims is lacking, EDTA suppositories are still being used by practitioners, and sold to consumers without adequate understanding of confirmed benefits or full understanding of potential risks.
While some chelators can be obtained from traditional pharmacies via prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, others are available from alternate sources such as compounding pharmacies and via multiple internet sites. Many of these internet available agents come in atypical formulations and concentrations potentially leading to dosage errors and toxicity from the chelating agents [42]. Toxicity from chelation agents ranges from allergic reactions to alteration of liver and kidney function.

Here's the study:

Comparison of the Absorption, Brain and Prostate Distribution, and Elimination of CaNa2 EDTA of Rectal Chelation Suppositories to Intravenous Administration

Rectal suppositories were compared to IV administration of C14-labeled calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaNa2EDTA) to evaluate the absorption, brain and prostate tissue distribution, and excretion in rats. The absolute bioavailability of CaNa2EDTA in blood following rectal dosing was 36.3% of the IV dose route, which confirmed that rectal dosing is an efficient method for delivering ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to tissues. The ratio of radioactive residues of EDTA in tissues compared to blood, following IV or rectal dosing of C14 labeled CaNa2EDTA, showed negligible brain localization. However, prostate tissues were found to have a mean ratio of 3.69 via the IV route and 13.6 rectally. The total recovery of C14 EDTA expressed as percent of administered dosed IV was a mean of 47.3% and 30.3% rectally at eight hours when the test was concluded. The suppository formulation of CaNa2 appears to be well absorbed, delivering high levels of EDTA to prostate tissue.

More information:

Calcium Disodium EDTA Chelation Suppositories: A Novel Approach for Removing Heavy Metal Toxins in Clinical Practice

Chelation is a modality that effectively eliminates heavy metals systemically: initially from the
blood circulation and then the tissues in which they are sequestered. The standard method for eliminating
heavy metals uses IV chelators, such as calcium disodium EDTA or DMPS. There are transdermal
methods of treatment using DMSA, as well as oral chelating agents, such as penicillamine; however
intravenous IV EDTA chelation is probably the best-known approach.

In contrast to oral EDTA, IV EDTA is well absorbed and this method of delivery been the gold
standard of treatment for more than 70 years. However, newer non-invasive approaches, such as rectal
suppository EDTA chelation, are effective and less expensive than IV EDTA, and there are studies
validating the effectiveness of this modality. The rectal delivery method is simple and eliminates the need
to spend four hours at a time in an IV room. Rectal Suppository chelation ensures that EDTA is absorbed
and bioavailable to all tissues and organs.

In our practice, we specifically use Detoxamin calcium disodium EDTA suppositories from World
Health Products of Draper, Utah. We have confidence in this particular brand because its efficacy has
been proven through clinical and pre-clinical studies. We have been using this modality clinically for
nearly ten years, with tens of thousands of dosing experiences. It is quick, easy to use, safe, and
inexpensive for the patient – approximately one-fourth or less the cost of IV treatments. Calcium disodium
EDTA chelation supports broad-spectrum heavy metal removal and is approved by the United States
Food and Drug Administration.

Rectal suppository chelation has been proven effective in pre-clinical and clinical studies. In one
animal study, we used C14 radioactive-labeled EDTA and a carbon-based amino acid, and compared
rectal suppository and IV methods of delivery in rats. Blood samples were drawn at various times from
five minutes to eight hours and tissue samples were harvested at one and eight hours in both groups of
animals.18 The study showed that although IV administration yielded high initial blood levels of EDTA that
peaked within minutes, by one hour almost all of the EDTA had been excreted. In contrast, eight hours
after insertion of anal suppositories there were still significant levels of C14 radioactive-labeled EDTA in
the blood. When the tissue levels of EDTA were compared, there were also differences. For example,
after eight hours there was greater than three-times the level of EDTA in prostate tissue from animals
containing rectal suppositories than in animals given EDTA by IV administration.

The half-life of EDTA in suppository form has been compared to IV administration in animal
studies. A half-life pharmacokinetic study of the trans-rectal and IV delivery systems was conducted, and
we found blood-to-tissue ratio absorption almost 3.5 times higher with the trans-rectal delivery than the IV
delivery of EDTA. IV EDTA showed a typical spike of delivery within minutes in the blood, with rapid
removal pharmacokinetics and a half-life of approximately 1.5 hours. In contrast, the rectal suppository
pharmacokinetics in the blood revealed a biphasic, more gradual rise and decrease with a half-life of over
eight hours (Figure 3).

The rectal admission of medicine is well established. However, the absorption of drugs has
always been an issue. Some of the best transrectal medications only achieve 20-25 percent
bioavailability. However, our animal studies revealed an EDTA absorption level from the calcium
disodium EDTA suppositories of 36.3 percent compared to IV administration (Figure 3). The slow and
constant movement of EDTA from the suppositories to the blood to various tissues is likely to have less
toxicity than IV bolus administration. It delivers EDTA in a continuous, lower concentration for longer
periods of time, allowing the EDTA to bind metals more efficiently and effectively.

Note that other EDTA suppositories may not be able to make the above claim, since they were
not tested in similar animal studies. The research performed here used Detoxamin™ chelation
suppositories and we can only recommend this suppository formula based on our studies.

Donald has reacted to this post.

#323 · November 11, 2023, 11:48 pm

Quote from tim on November 11, 2023, 10:58 pm

@jiri

From the small amount of research I have done my impression is that arsenic is easier to excrete than mercury which in turn is easier to excrete than cadmium.

Lipoic acid appears to be somewhat protective against cadmium toxicity but it doesn't look like it facilitates excretion of it.

Have you tried chelating mercury with EDTA?

I don't wanna mess with mercury chelation. It can do more harm than good.. My thinking is just take reasonable amounts of essential minerals that are naturally antagonistic to mercury like iodine and selenium. Also because I have so strong reaction to ALA I should keep taking it, but I think I will wait for the summer because the body(liver and bile flow) works better when you are not cold and I have to microdose it like under 50mg for sure..

puddleduck has reacted to this post.

#324 · November 12, 2023, 2:19 am

Quote from Inger on November 12, 2023, 2:19 am

Quote from tim on November 11, 2023, 5:21 pm

Previous post continued.

Arsenic speciation in fruit and vegetables grown in the UK

Mean fresh weight arsenic levels in potatoes were found to be 0.35mcg/100g, in apples 0.27mcg/100g, cabbage 0.53mcg/100g, cucumber 1.79mcg/100g, leek 0.66mcg/100g, lettuce 3.08mcg/100g, parsnip 1.04mcg/100g.

It's clear that rice consumption will significantly increase dietary arsenic intake. I've compared cadmium intake levels with arsenic intake levels, now let's look at how difficult arsenic is to detoxify compared with cadmium.

What is the Biologic Fate of Arsenic in the Body?

Introduction

The primary routes of arsenic entry into the body are ingestion and inhalation. Dermal absorption also occurs, but to a lesser extent.

The half-life of inorganic arsenic in humans is about 10 hours [Rossman 2007].

Arsenic undergoes biomethylation in the liver.

Approximately 70% of arsenic is excreted, mainly in urine [Rossman 2007].

Arsenic is excreted in the urine; most of a single, low-level dose is excreted within a few days after ingestion.

Distribution

After absorption through the lungs or GI tract, arsenic is widely distributed by the blood throughout the body. [ATSDR 2007]

Most tissues rapidly clear arsenic, except for skin, hair, and nails [Lansdown 1995].

Two to four weeks after exposure ceases, most of the arsenic remaining in the body is found in keratin-rich tissues such as

hair,
nails,
skin, and
to a lesser extent, in bones and teeth [Yip and Dart 2001].

What Is the Biological Fate of Cadmium in the Body?

Excretion of Cadmium

Absorbed cadmium is eliminated from the body primarily in urine. The rate of excretion is low, probably because cadmium remains tightly bound to metallothionein, MTN, which is almost completely reabsorbed in the renal tubules.

Because excretion is slow, cadmium accumulation in the body can be significant. Cadmium concentration in blood reflects recent exposure; urinary cadmium concentration more closely reflects total body burden. However, when renal damage from cadmium exposure occurs, the excretion rate increases sharply, and urinary cadmium levels no longer reflect body burden.

Accumulation of Cadmium

The total cadmium body burden at birth is non-detectable (CDC 2005). It gradually increases with age to about 9.5 mg to 50 mg (ATSDR 1999). The kidneys and liver together contain about 50% of the body’s accumulation of cadmium (HSDB 2006).

Cadmium Half-Life

The biologic half-life of cadmium in the kidney is estimated to be between 6 to 38 years; the half life of cadmium in the liver is between 4 and 19 years (ATSDR 1999). These long half-lives reflect the fact that humans do not have effective pathways for cadmium elimination. Cadmium has no known biologic function in humans. Bioaccumulation appears to be a by-product of increasing industrialization. Any excessive accumulation in the body should be regarded as potentially toxic.

My initial impression is that a cadmium intake of 4-5mcg/day is far more concerning than an arsenic intake 2 or 3 times higher.

I won't be avoiding white or brown rice but I won't be consuming large amounts of it either. Reducing rice intake won't really do much to reduce total daily heavy metal exposure though.

It appears that the only natural way to increase cadmium detoxification may be through sweating. Other than that EDTA can be used to chelate it.

Cadmium Toxicity and Treatment

5. Reduction of Body Burden

There is no agreement in the literature regarding treatment of Cd toxicity. Human studies are few and anecdotal. While clinical protocols exist for the use of EDTA, DMPS, and DMSA [101–104], they rely for the most part on clinical experience and on in vitro and animal studies [105, 106]. EDTA is the agent most widely accepted for clinical use. While it may seem axiomatic that reduction of body Cd burden would decrease its toxic effects, not all authorities agree that active measures beyond avoidance are indicated, at least for acute poisoning, where concern exists that chelation may aggravate damage to the kidney tubules [107, 108]. For chronic exposures, however, there is considerable evidence of chelation's clinical efficacy, in humans and in experimental animals. Several chelators have been used. Clinically available chelators include EDTA, DMPS, DMSA, and British Anti-Lewisite (BAL). BAL is more toxic than its derivatives, DMPS and DMSA, and is seldom used clinically. Several experimental chelators, including DTPA [109] (available from the National Strategic Reserve for radiation poisoning), NaB [110], and others [111, 112], are also being investigated but are not clinically available at present.

It is clear that EDTA [113, 114], DMPS [115], and DMSA [116] increase urinary excretion of Cd, but DMSA seems to have little impact on overall body burden of Cd [117, 118]. Studies in vitro [119] and in vivo [120] suggest that EDTA is superior to DMSA in mobilizing intracellular Cd. In clinical use, EDTA is credited with an anecdotal report of relief of rheumatoid arthritis [121], as well as reduction of oxidative stress [122], and reduction of general metal toxicity [123, 124]. The efficacy of EDTA is apparently improved with concomitant use of glutathione [125] which also protects against nephrotoxicity; efficacy may also be improved with concomitant use of antioxidants [126] including mannitol [127], as well as thiamine [128], methionine [129], or zinc [130]. DMPS has not been studied as extensively as EDTA and DMSA but appears effective in rats [131], is available over the counter in Germany, and may be compounded legally in the United States.

EDTA is approved by the FDA for lead and other heavy metals, and has a long history of safe use. It should not be given faster than one gram per hour nor in dosage greater than three grams per session. Sessions should be at least five days apart, and replacement of essential minerals should be done orally between sessions. Several effective protocols exist implementing these principles [101–104].

Cd is also significantly present in sweat during sauna, which appears to be a moderately successful modality for reducing body burden of Cd without risk of tubular damage [132], albeit at a rate slower than that of intravenous chelation with EDTA.

Thank you for this Tim.

It makes me wonder if the organ consumption is so bad also because of heavy metals. I feel so bad about me eating a 2 whole deer livers less than 2 years ago around Christmas. before I started vitamin A detox. I must have gotten a nice dose of cadmium too 🙁 .

Thankfully I go to the sauna twice a week. I wonder if soluble fiber helps to remove heavy metals too? Karen says it does.

Imagine what crazyness the urine therapy is, people drinking their urine. It must be horrendous for heavy metal accumulation.

Quote from tim on November 11, 2023, 5:21 pm

Previous post continued.

Arsenic speciation in fruit and vegetables grown in the UK

Mean fresh weight arsenic levels in potatoes were found to be 0.35mcg/100g, in apples 0.27mcg/100g, cabbage 0.53mcg/100g, cucumber 1.79mcg/100g, leek 0.66mcg/100g, lettuce 3.08mcg/100g, parsnip 1.04mcg/100g.

It's clear that rice consumption will significantly increase dietary arsenic intake. I've compared cadmium intake levels with arsenic intake levels, now let's look at how difficult arsenic is to detoxify compared with cadmium.

What is the Biologic Fate of Arsenic in the Body?

Introduction

The primary routes of arsenic entry into the body are ingestion and inhalation. Dermal absorption also occurs, but to a lesser extent.

The half-life of inorganic arsenic in humans is about 10 hours [Rossman 2007].

Arsenic undergoes biomethylation in the liver.

Approximately 70% of arsenic is excreted, mainly in urine [Rossman 2007].

Arsenic is excreted in the urine; most of a single, low-level dose is excreted within a few days after ingestion.

Distribution

After absorption through the lungs or GI tract, arsenic is widely distributed by the blood throughout the body. [ATSDR 2007]

Most tissues rapidly clear arsenic, except for skin, hair, and nails [Lansdown 1995].

Two to four weeks after exposure ceases, most of the arsenic remaining in the body is found in keratin-rich tissues such as

hair,
nails,
skin, and
to a lesser extent, in bones and teeth [Yip and Dart 2001].

What Is the Biological Fate of Cadmium in the Body?

Excretion of Cadmium

Absorbed cadmium is eliminated from the body primarily in urine. The rate of excretion is low, probably because cadmium remains tightly bound to metallothionein, MTN, which is almost completely reabsorbed in the renal tubules.

Because excretion is slow, cadmium accumulation in the body can be significant. Cadmium concentration in blood reflects recent exposure; urinary cadmium concentration more closely reflects total body burden. However, when renal damage from cadmium exposure occurs, the excretion rate increases sharply, and urinary cadmium levels no longer reflect body burden.

Accumulation of Cadmium

The total cadmium body burden at birth is non-detectable (CDC 2005). It gradually increases with age to about 9.5 mg to 50 mg (ATSDR 1999). The kidneys and liver together contain about 50% of the body’s accumulation of cadmium (HSDB 2006).

Cadmium Half-Life

The biologic half-life of cadmium in the kidney is estimated to be between 6 to 38 years; the half life of cadmium in the liver is between 4 and 19 years (ATSDR 1999). These long half-lives reflect the fact that humans do not have effective pathways for cadmium elimination. Cadmium has no known biologic function in humans. Bioaccumulation appears to be a by-product of increasing industrialization. Any excessive accumulation in the body should be regarded as potentially toxic.

My initial impression is that a cadmium intake of 4-5mcg/day is far more concerning than an arsenic intake 2 or 3 times higher.

I won't be avoiding white or brown rice but I won't be consuming large amounts of it either. Reducing rice intake won't really do much to reduce total daily heavy metal exposure though.

It appears that the only natural way to increase cadmium detoxification may be through sweating. Other than that EDTA can be used to chelate it.

Cadmium Toxicity and Treatment

5. Reduction of Body Burden

There is no agreement in the literature regarding treatment of Cd toxicity. Human studies are few and anecdotal. While clinical protocols exist for the use of EDTA, DMPS, and DMSA [101–104], they rely for the most part on clinical experience and on in vitro and animal studies [105, 106]. EDTA is the agent most widely accepted for clinical use. While it may seem axiomatic that reduction of body Cd burden would decrease its toxic effects, not all authorities agree that active measures beyond avoidance are indicated, at least for acute poisoning, where concern exists that chelation may aggravate damage to the kidney tubules [107, 108]. For chronic exposures, however, there is considerable evidence of chelation's clinical efficacy, in humans and in experimental animals. Several chelators have been used. Clinically available chelators include EDTA, DMPS, DMSA, and British Anti-Lewisite (BAL). BAL is more toxic than its derivatives, DMPS and DMSA, and is seldom used clinically. Several experimental chelators, including DTPA [109] (available from the National Strategic Reserve for radiation poisoning), NaB [110], and others [111, 112], are also being investigated but are not clinically available at present.

It is clear that EDTA [113, 114], DMPS [115], and DMSA [116] increase urinary excretion of Cd, but DMSA seems to have little impact on overall body burden of Cd [117, 118]. Studies in vitro [119] and in vivo [120] suggest that EDTA is superior to DMSA in mobilizing intracellular Cd. In clinical use, EDTA is credited with an anecdotal report of relief of rheumatoid arthritis [121], as well as reduction of oxidative stress [122], and reduction of general metal toxicity [123, 124]. The efficacy of EDTA is apparently improved with concomitant use of glutathione [125] which also protects against nephrotoxicity; efficacy may also be improved with concomitant use of antioxidants [126] including mannitol [127], as well as thiamine [128], methionine [129], or zinc [130]. DMPS has not been studied as extensively as EDTA and DMSA but appears effective in rats [131], is available over the counter in Germany, and may be compounded legally in the United States.

EDTA is approved by the FDA for lead and other heavy metals, and has a long history of safe use. It should not be given faster than one gram per hour nor in dosage greater than three grams per session. Sessions should be at least five days apart, and replacement of essential minerals should be done orally between sessions. Several effective protocols exist implementing these principles [101–104].

Cd is also significantly present in sweat during sauna, which appears to be a moderately successful modality for reducing body burden of Cd without risk of tubular damage [132], albeit at a rate slower than that of intravenous chelation with EDTA.

Thank you for this Tim.

It makes me wonder if the organ consumption is so bad also because of heavy metals. I feel so bad about me eating a 2 whole deer livers less than 2 years ago around Christmas. before I started vitamin A detox. I must have gotten a nice dose of cadmium too 🙁 .

Thankfully I go to the sauna twice a week. I wonder if soluble fiber helps to remove heavy metals too? Karen says it does.

Imagine what crazyness the urine therapy is, people drinking their urine. It must be horrendous for heavy metal accumulation.

puddleduck has reacted to this post.

#325 · November 12, 2023, 2:49 am

@inger

You're welcome.

Most liver and kidneys eaten are from young animals but yeah I think it's another reason to avoid eating these organs.

I have wondered in the past if some of the symptoms that arise during vitamin A depletion are due to release of other toxins stored with liver retinyl esters.

It depends on the specific metal with regard to detoxification. I don't think fiber would help excrete cadmium. With cadmium all I think one can do is to do things that generally support healthy organ function, sweat regularly and perhaps consider the EDTA suppositories I have just posted about. I'm still researching them but if one has a lifetime of heavy metal accumulation I doubt that just sweating will be enough and EDTA looks like the only option to remove significant amounts of certain heavy metals from the body. Even with EDTA it probably needs to be used regularly for years to significantly reduce the average adult's body burden of cadmium.

puddleduck has reacted to this post.

#326 · November 14, 2023, 7:15 am

Cigarettes are also VERY HIGH cadmium source.

"In general, the cadmium content in tobacco leaves ranges between 1 and 2 μg·g−1 dry weight, resulting in 0.5–1 μg cadmium per cigarette. Cadmium oxide, generated during tobacco smoking, is likely to either be deposited locally in lung tissue or absorbed into the systemic blood circulation, or both [5]. The absorption after inhalation in the lungs is thought to be much higher than that from food, via the intestine, and as a result, cadmium concentrations in blood can be up to four or five times higher and kidney concentrations up to two or three times higher in tobacco smokers, compared to nonsmokers [5, 7–9]. However, very little is known about its local deposition in the lungs." Cadmium in tobacco smokers: a neglected link to lung disease? | European Respiratory Society (ersjournals.com)

That is huge and still some people smoke their whole lives and manage to live quite old. Since I don't smoke, I'm not gonna waste a single worrying thought about cadmium intake from foods. Food cadmium ain't got nothing on the exposure you get from cigarettes, that's for sure.

puddleduck and Janelle525 have reacted to this post.

#327 · November 14, 2023, 2:16 pm

Hey @tim-2

What do you think of this theory, some nice extra-circular reading:

https://old.reddit.com/r/AccutaneRecovery/comments/17n5zk8/the_mystery_of_post_accutane_syndrome_pas_finally/

puddleduck has reacted to this post.

#328 · November 15, 2023, 12:55 am

Quote from tim on November 15, 2023, 12:55 am
@arket quoted:

In general, the cadmium content in tobacco leaves ranges between 1 and 2 μg·g−1 dry weight, resulting in 0.5–1 μg cadmium per cigarette.

Cigarettes contain much less cadmium than that.

This study found about 11ng cadmium inhaled/cigarette - 39ng cadmium inhaled/cigarette:

Levels of Heavy Metals in Popular Cigarette Brands and Exposure to These Metals via Smoking

The levels of selected heavy metals in popular cigarette brands sold and/or produced in Saudi Arabia were determined by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Average concentrations of Cadmium and Lead in different cigarette brands were 1.81 and 2.46 μg g−1 (dry weight), respectively. The results obtained in this study estimate the average quantity of Cd inhaled from smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes to be in the range of 0.22–0.78 μg. Results suggest that the quantity of Pb inhaled of smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes is estimated to be 0.97–2.64 μg. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in cigarettes were significantly different between cigarette brands tested. The results of the present study were compared with those of other regional and international studies.

This study found about 40ng cadmium inhaled/cigarette (about 0.8mcg cadmium inhaled/20 pack) and it also lists similar results from five different studies:

Toxic Metal Concentrations in Mainstream Smoke from Cigarettes Available in the USA

@arket quoted:

The absorption after inhalation in the lungs is thought to be much higher than that from food, via the intestine, and as a result, cadmium concentrations in blood can be up to four or five times higher and kidney concentrations up to two or three times higher in tobacco smokers, compared to nonsmokers [5, 7–9].

We absorb about 12 times more cadmium from an inhaled dose compared to an ingested dose:

What Is the Biological Fate of Cadmium in the Body?

Inhalation

Once in the lungs, from 10% to 50% of an inhaled dose is absorbed, depending on particle size, solubility of the specific cadmium compound inhaled, and duration of exposure (Jarup 2002). Absorption is least for large (greater than 10 micrometers [µm]) and water-insoluble particles, and greatest for particles that are small (less than 0.1 µm) and water soluble. A high proportion of cadmium in cigarette smoke is absorbed because the cadmium particles found in that type of smoke are very small (ATSDR 1999).

Ingestion

Most orally ingested cadmium passes through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged as normal individuals absorb only about 6% of ingested cadmium, but up to 9% may be absorbed in those with iron deficiency (ATSDR 1999). Also, cadmium in water is more easily absorbed than cadmium in food (5% in water versus 2.5% in food) (IRIS 2006). The presence of elevated zinc or chromium in the diet decreases cadmium uptake.

There is about 2.7mcg cadmium/100g potato:

Effect of cultivar type and soil properties on cadmium concentrations in potatoes

Cadmium concentrations in potato tuber cultivars ranged between 0.040 and 0.275 mg kg−1 DW (n = 70) (), with a mean concentration of 0.135 mg kg−1 DW (0.032 mg kg−1 FW). The mean concentration is similar to that previously reported (0.140 mg kg−1 DW) in a survey of potatoes sold commercially in the Waikato region (largely grown in Pukekohe) (Kim Citation2005), but higher than an earlier study (0.100 mg kg−1 DW) of potatoes grown at Pukekohe (Roberts et al. Citation1995). Although, if only considering potatoes from the Pukekohe site, the mean concentration in the present study (0.070 mg kg−1 DW) is lower than both previous studies. Cadmium concentrations are within the range of mean values reported in several overseas studies (0.02–0.40 mg kg−1 DW) (Thomas et al. Citation1972; Wolnik et al. Citation1983; Zurera et al. Citation1987; Oborn et al. Citation1995; McLaughlin et al. Citation1997; Karavoltsos et al. Citation2002; Radwan and Salama Citation2006; Fan et al. Citation2009; Luis et al. Citation2014; Lin et al. Citation2015; Norton et al. Citation2015). As reported the moisture content in our potatoes was 80% (w/w). Therefore, the FW Cd concentrations of the tubers ranged from 0.009 to 0.069 mg kg−1. These Cd concentrations are lower than the FSANZ standard 1.4.1 ML for Cd in potatoes of 0.1 mg kg−1 FW, which is the same as the Codex Standard 193–1995 (CAC Citation2009) and European Commission food standards (EC 1661/2006) for peeled potatoes.

Potato tuber Cd concentrations ranged between 0.004 and 0.574 mg kg−1 DW, with a mean concentration of 0.129 mg kg−1 DW (0.026 mg kg−1 FW) (b), although 92% of samples had Cd concentrations < 0.20 mg kg−1 DW. With the exception of two of the three replicates from a single site at Pukekohe, Cd concentrations in potato tubers were well below the FSANZ limit of 0.5 mg kg−1 DW (assuming a dry weight content of 20%). The reason for the higher values at one of the Pukekohe sites is unknown as there were no obvious soil differences. Unlike the other sites surveyed, potatoes were the first crop at this site after it had been in long-term pasture.

Concentration and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements, Lead and Cadmium, in Vegetables and Cereals Consumed in Western Iran

The concentration of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in vegetable (potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, leeks, and carrots) and cereal (wheat and rice) samples collected from Iran were investigated by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, we determined the health risks due to exposure to Cd and Pb through vegetable and cereal consumption by computing the estimated daily intake, the target hazard quotient (THQ), the total THQ, and the margin of exposure. The mean concentrations of Pb in potato, onion, tomato, lettuce, leek, carrot, wheat, and rice samples were measured as 0.029 ± 0.011, 0.016 ± 0.012, 0.007 ± 0.005, 0.022 ± 0.020, 0.040 ± 0.048, 0.029 ± 0.025, 0.123 ± 0.120, and 0.097 ± 0.059 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively, and all were below the maximum allowable concentrations set by the European Union. The mean concentrations of Cd in potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, leeks, carrots, wheat, and rice samples were measured as 0.022 ± 0.013, 0.011 ± 0.009, 0.003 ± 0.003, 0.007 ± 0.005, 0.015 ± 0.024, 0.013 ± 0.011, 0.046 ± 0.043, and 0.049 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively, and all were below the permissible levels established by the European Union. The corresponding values for the estimated daily intake of Cd were acceptable and lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake. The THQ and total THQ values of Cd through consumption of all vegetables and cereals were lower than 1. The margin of exposure values for Pb in samples were >1, showing no significant human health risks for both potentially toxic elements. The findings of this study indicated there is no risk associated with exposure to Pb and Cd through the intake of selected vegetables and cereals in western Iran.

Assuming an absorption rate of 2.5% from ingestion and an average of 2.7mcg cadmium/100g fresh weight potato, 2.7x0.025=67ng cadmium absorbed per 100g potato.

Assuming an absorption rate of 30% from inhalation and an average of 0.04mcg cadmium/cigarette, 0.04x0.3=12ng cadmium absorbed per cigarette.

The cadmium absorption from smoking a pack a day is similar to eating 350g of potato.

This study found that those that had smoked for an average of 12 years and smoked an average of 15 cigarettes per day had 28% higher serum cadmium levels:

Blood Cadmium Concentrations of Male Cigarette Smokers Are Inversely Associated with Fruit Consumption

In this study, blood cadmium concentrations were 28% higher in the smokers (16.9 ± 5.5 nmol/L) than in the nonsmokers (13.2 ± 3.7 nmol/L).

In this study non smokers had 0.32ppb serum cadmium and smokers had 0.45pbb serum cadmium, smokers having 40% higher serum cadmium:

Increased Serum Cadmium and Strontium Levels in Young Smokers

A significant difference but hardly "four or five times higher". But lets look at the data more carefully. There were only 56 participants in the study. Passive smokers had 0.43ppb serum cadmium, higher than less than three cigarette per day smokers. Cigarettes contain lead in similar amounts to cadmium yet serum lead levels were 0.99ppb in non smokers, 0.29ppb in passive smokers and 1.02ppb in smokers. Should we also conclude that passive smoking detoxifies lead from the body?

Cadmium intake from smoking doesn't dwarf cadmium intake from the diet. Everyone accumulates significant amounts of cadmium as they age.

@arket quoted:

In general, the cadmium content in tobacco leaves ranges between 1 and 2 μg·g−1 dry weight, resulting in 0.5–1 μg cadmium per cigarette.

Cigarettes contain much less cadmium than that.

This study found about 11ng cadmium inhaled/cigarette - 39ng cadmium inhaled/cigarette:

Levels of Heavy Metals in Popular Cigarette Brands and Exposure to These Metals via Smoking

The levels of selected heavy metals in popular cigarette brands sold and/or produced in Saudi Arabia were determined by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Average concentrations of Cadmium and Lead in different cigarette brands were 1.81 and 2.46 μg g−1 (dry weight), respectively. The results obtained in this study estimate the average quantity of Cd inhaled from smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes to be in the range of 0.22–0.78 μg. Results suggest that the quantity of Pb inhaled of smoking one packet of 20 cigarettes is estimated to be 0.97–2.64 μg. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in cigarettes were significantly different between cigarette brands tested. The results of the present study were compared with those of other regional and international studies.

This study found about 40ng cadmium inhaled/cigarette (about 0.8mcg cadmium inhaled/20 pack) and it also lists similar results from five different studies:

Toxic Metal Concentrations in Mainstream Smoke from Cigarettes Available in the USA

@arket quoted:

The absorption after inhalation in the lungs is thought to be much higher than that from food, via the intestine, and as a result, cadmium concentrations in blood can be up to four or five times higher and kidney concentrations up to two or three times higher in tobacco smokers, compared to nonsmokers [5, 7–9].

We absorb about 12 times more cadmium from an inhaled dose compared to an ingested dose:

What Is the Biological Fate of Cadmium in the Body?

Inhalation

Once in the lungs, from 10% to 50% of an inhaled dose is absorbed, depending on particle size, solubility of the specific cadmium compound inhaled, and duration of exposure (Jarup 2002). Absorption is least for large (greater than 10 micrometers [µm]) and water-insoluble particles, and greatest for particles that are small (less than 0.1 µm) and water soluble. A high proportion of cadmium in cigarette smoke is absorbed because the cadmium particles found in that type of smoke are very small (ATSDR 1999).

Ingestion

Most orally ingested cadmium passes through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged as normal individuals absorb only about 6% of ingested cadmium, but up to 9% may be absorbed in those with iron deficiency (ATSDR 1999). Also, cadmium in water is more easily absorbed than cadmium in food (5% in water versus 2.5% in food) (IRIS 2006). The presence of elevated zinc or chromium in the diet decreases cadmium uptake.

There is about 2.7mcg cadmium/100g potato:

Effect of cultivar type and soil properties on cadmium concentrations in potatoes

Cadmium concentrations in potato tuber cultivars ranged between 0.040 and 0.275 mg kg−1 DW (n = 70) (), with a mean concentration of 0.135 mg kg−1 DW (0.032 mg kg−1 FW). The mean concentration is similar to that previously reported (0.140 mg kg−1 DW) in a survey of potatoes sold commercially in the Waikato region (largely grown in Pukekohe) (Kim Citation2005), but higher than an earlier study (0.100 mg kg−1 DW) of potatoes grown at Pukekohe (Roberts et al. Citation1995). Although, if only considering potatoes from the Pukekohe site, the mean concentration in the present study (0.070 mg kg−1 DW) is lower than both previous studies. Cadmium concentrations are within the range of mean values reported in several overseas studies (0.02–0.40 mg kg−1 DW) (Thomas et al. Citation1972; Wolnik et al. Citation1983; Zurera et al. Citation1987; Oborn et al. Citation1995; McLaughlin et al. Citation1997; Karavoltsos et al. Citation2002; Radwan and Salama Citation2006; Fan et al. Citation2009; Luis et al. Citation2014; Lin et al. Citation2015; Norton et al. Citation2015). As reported the moisture content in our potatoes was 80% (w/w). Therefore, the FW Cd concentrations of the tubers ranged from 0.009 to 0.069 mg kg−1. These Cd concentrations are lower than the FSANZ standard 1.4.1 ML for Cd in potatoes of 0.1 mg kg−1 FW, which is the same as the Codex Standard 193–1995 (CAC Citation2009) and European Commission food standards (EC 1661/2006) for peeled potatoes.

Potato tuber Cd concentrations ranged between 0.004 and 0.574 mg kg−1 DW, with a mean concentration of 0.129 mg kg−1 DW (0.026 mg kg−1 FW) (b), although 92% of samples had Cd concentrations < 0.20 mg kg−1 DW. With the exception of two of the three replicates from a single site at Pukekohe, Cd concentrations in potato tubers were well below the FSANZ limit of 0.5 mg kg−1 DW (assuming a dry weight content of 20%). The reason for the higher values at one of the Pukekohe sites is unknown as there were no obvious soil differences. Unlike the other sites surveyed, potatoes were the first crop at this site after it had been in long-term pasture.

Concentration and Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements, Lead and Cadmium, in Vegetables and Cereals Consumed in Western Iran

The concentration of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in vegetable (potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, leeks, and carrots) and cereal (wheat and rice) samples collected from Iran were investigated by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, we determined the health risks due to exposure to Cd and Pb through vegetable and cereal consumption by computing the estimated daily intake, the target hazard quotient (THQ), the total THQ, and the margin of exposure. The mean concentrations of Pb in potato, onion, tomato, lettuce, leek, carrot, wheat, and rice samples were measured as 0.029 ± 0.011, 0.016 ± 0.012, 0.007 ± 0.005, 0.022 ± 0.020, 0.040 ± 0.048, 0.029 ± 0.025, 0.123 ± 0.120, and 0.097 ± 0.059 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively, and all were below the maximum allowable concentrations set by the European Union. The mean concentrations of Cd in potatoes, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, leeks, carrots, wheat, and rice samples were measured as 0.022 ± 0.013, 0.011 ± 0.009, 0.003 ± 0.003, 0.007 ± 0.005, 0.015 ± 0.024, 0.013 ± 0.011, 0.046 ± 0.043, and 0.049 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 wet weight, respectively, and all were below the permissible levels established by the European Union. The corresponding values for the estimated daily intake of Cd were acceptable and lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake. The THQ and total THQ values of Cd through consumption of all vegetables and cereals were lower than 1. The margin of exposure values for Pb in samples were >1, showing no significant human health risks for both potentially toxic elements. The findings of this study indicated there is no risk associated with exposure to Pb and Cd through the intake of selected vegetables and cereals in western Iran.

Assuming an absorption rate of 2.5% from ingestion and an average of 2.7mcg cadmium/100g fresh weight potato, 2.7x0.025=67ng cadmium absorbed per 100g potato.

Assuming an absorption rate of 30% from inhalation and an average of 0.04mcg cadmium/cigarette, 0.04x0.3=12ng cadmium absorbed per cigarette.

The cadmium absorption from smoking a pack a day is similar to eating 350g of potato.

This study found that those that had smoked for an average of 12 years and smoked an average of 15 cigarettes per day had 28% higher serum cadmium levels:

Blood Cadmium Concentrations of Male Cigarette Smokers Are Inversely Associated with Fruit Consumption

In this study, blood cadmium concentrations were 28% higher in the smokers (16.9 ± 5.5 nmol/L) than in the nonsmokers (13.2 ± 3.7 nmol/L).

In this study non smokers had 0.32ppb serum cadmium and smokers had 0.45pbb serum cadmium, smokers having 40% higher serum cadmium:

Increased Serum Cadmium and Strontium Levels in Young Smokers

A significant difference but hardly "four or five times higher". But lets look at the data more carefully. There were only 56 participants in the study. Passive smokers had 0.43ppb serum cadmium, higher than less than three cigarette per day smokers. Cigarettes contain lead in similar amounts to cadmium yet serum lead levels were 0.99ppb in non smokers, 0.29ppb in passive smokers and 1.02ppb in smokers. Should we also conclude that passive smoking detoxifies lead from the body?

Cadmium intake from smoking doesn't dwarf cadmium intake from the diet. Everyone accumulates significant amounts of cadmium as they age.

Armin has reacted to this post.

#329 · November 15, 2023, 1:13 am

@tim-2

Why you try to bring potatoes into this, Tim? You think every time I eat potatoes, I think of your words? 😉 Of course we accumulate things as we age, that's never going to change. We have to eat and breathe, that's something unavoidable, no need to worry about the minute stuff. And once again we don't know what happens when these minerals interact in vivo with all the healthy gut bacteria that protect us etc. Being a pencil neck smart ass doesn't translate into successful real life.

#330 · November 15, 2023, 1:32 am

@tim-2

ALso it's not like we have to or even can absorb every single mcg of every mineral we ingest. Our digestive tract is very smart, when we have an increased need for some mineral, our digestive tract increase the absorption of that mineral. If my diet contains 5 mg of copper for example, it's not like the whole 5 mg is gonna get absorbed. The food we eat travels through our digestive tract and along the way our body picks up minerals if there is a need for those minerals. Think of it like those Japanese restaurants where food plates travel on a conveyor belt and you just pick whatever you like, you don't have to take them all, unless you're some fatty kid, LOL.

Tim's Log

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