The Thyroid and Cadmium

What is Cadmium?

• Definition:
  Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in the Earth’s crust. It is primarily obtained as a byproduct of mining, smelting, and refining zinc, lead, and copper. In the environment, cadmium exists in mineral deposits, but human activity has significantly increased its presence in air, water, and soil.

• Sources:
  Major sources of cadmium exposure include industrial emissions, cigarette smoke, contaminated food (such as leafy greens, rice, and shellfish), and occupational hazards in manufacturing or metal processing industries.

What types of Cadmium are there and what do they do?

• Elemental Cadmium:
  This form is used in industrial processes, such as electroplating and producing batteries, pigments, and plastics. Exposure often occurs through inhalation in industrial settings.

• Cadmium Compounds:
  These include cadmium oxide, cadmium chloride, and cadmium sulfate. These compounds are more reactive and can be absorbed by the body more readily. They are commonly found in fertilizers, paints, and other industrial products.

Daily Toxic Load of Cadmium

• General Population:
  The average person is exposed to cadmium through dietary intake, with estimates ranging from 10-25 µg per day depending on dietary habits and environmental factors.

• Smokers:
  Cigarette smoke is a significant source, with smokers absorbing nearly double the amount of cadmium compared to non-smokers. One pack of cigarettes can contribute up to 1-3 µg of cadmium.

• Occupational Exposure:
  Workers in metal industries, battery manufacturing, and pigment production are exposed to much higher levels, often exceeding recommended safety limits.

• Vulnerable Groups:
  Pregnant women, children, and individuals with compromised kidney function are at higher risk due to their increased sensitivity to cadmium's toxic effects.

What does Cadmium do to our body?

• Absorption and Storage:
  Cadmium is absorbed through the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Once in the bloodstream, it binds to proteins like metallothionein and accumulates in organs such as the kidneys, liver, and bones.

• Chronic Toxicity:
  Cadmium is a known carcinogen and disruptor of cellular processes. It induces oxidative stress, interferes with DNA repair mechanisms, and disrupts hormone signaling pathways.

Symptoms of Cadmium Toxicity

• Acute Exposure:
  Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and respiratory distress.

• Chronic Exposure:

  • Kidney damage leading to proteinuria (loss of protein in urine)

  • Weak and brittle bones (osteomalacia or osteoporosis)

  • Fatigue, weakness, and persistent headaches

  • Respiratory issues such as emphysema

  • Anemia due to interference with iron metabolism

What does Cadmium do to our thyroid pathway?

• Hormonal Disruption:
  Cadmium inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by interfering with iodine uptake and thyroid peroxidase activity.

• Thyroid Receptor Interference:
  It mimics and competes with essential minerals like zinc and selenium, which are crucial for thyroid hormone production and metabolism.

• Autoimmune Impact:
  Cadmium’s oxidative stress may trigger autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

What does Cadmium do to our Liver?

• Oxidative Damage:
  Cadmium promotes lipid peroxidation, damaging liver cells and impairing detoxification pathways.

• Enzyme Disruption:
  It inhibits the activity of liver enzymes involved in metabolizing hormones, drugs, and toxins.

• Fatty Liver Disease:
  Chronic exposure may contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

What does Cadmium do to our gut?

• Microbiome Imbalance:
  Cadmium exposure can alter gut flora, reducing beneficial bacteria and promoting dysbiosis.

• Intestinal Permeability:
  It damages the intestinal lining, leading to “leaky gut” syndrome, which allows toxins and undigested particles to enter the bloodstream.

• Inflammation:
  Chronic exposure increases gut inflammation, potentially contributing to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Physical Ailments caused by Cadmium

• Chronic kidney disease

• Osteoporosis and bone fractures

• Hypertension and cardiovascular disease

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases

Medications that contain Cadmium

• Phosphate Binders:
  Some older formulations of phosphate binders used for kidney disease patients contained trace amounts of cadmium.

• Contaminated Drugs:
  Cadmium contamination has been found in some pharmaceuticals manufactured in poorly regulated facilities.

Natural Supplements that positively impact Cadmium

• Zinc:
  Competes with cadmium for absorption and binding sites, reducing cadmium uptake.

• Selenium:
  Aids in mitigating oxidative damage caused by cadmium.

• Vitamin C:
  Enhances cadmium excretion and reduces oxidative stress.

• Glutathione:
  Supports detoxification and protects cells from heavy metal-induced damage.

Testing for Cadmium

• Urine Testing:
  Measures cadmium excretion and provides a snapshot of recent exposure.

• Blood Testing:
  Indicates acute exposure levels.

• Hair Analysis:
  Reflects long-term cadmium accumulation.

• Kidney Function Tests:
  Assess potential damage caused by chronic cadmium exposure.

Nutrients Required for Cadmium Chelation

• Chelating Agents:

  • EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid)

  • DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid)

• Essential Nutrients:

  • Zinc, selenium, and magnesium

  • Vitamins C and E

  • Sulfur-rich compounds such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

Everyday items that contain Cadmium

• Cigarettes

• Batteries (e.g., nickel-cadmium batteries)

• Brake pads in vehicles

• Fertilizers

• Paints and pigments

• Plastics and PVC products

• Jewellery (especially inexpensive, plated items)

• Electronics and semiconductors

• Contaminated foods such as rice, shellfish, and leafy greens

Other Random Information about Cadmium

• Regulatory Limits:
  Many countries have set strict limits on cadmium levels in food, water, and consumer products. However, enforcement varies widely.

• Bioaccumulation:
  Cadmium has a long biological half-life, often remaining in the body for decades.

• Global Concern:
  Cadmium pollution is a significant issue in countries with high industrial activity, leading to environmental contamination and health risks.

• Preventive Measures:
  Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins can reduce cadmium absorption and mitigate its harmful effects.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.