Nutrition-pollution interaction

Abstract

The impact of environmental pollution, especially chronic low exposures of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, etc .) on nutritional status and health of human and livestock, has become a cause of concern. It is established that malnutrition inhibits enzyme system, alters neurotransmitter levels, degenerate myelin, glial and neural elements, lowering of IQ scores as well as impairment of fine and gross motor coordination. Chronic low-level exposure to heavy metals also results in similar type of deformities at sub-clinical level. However, additive impact of undernutrition and adverse effects of heavy metal exposure is emerging as a serious threat to health in developing countries. High blood Pb/Cd levels and low nutrient levels cause subclinical damage of organ system such as haemopoietic, renal, nervous systems in neonates, children, post-partum women, and occupationally exposed population. This could be due to chronic low-level heavy metal exposures and vis-à-vis interaction between pollutants and nutrients. Our studies are focused on the utility of biomarkers for early subclinical detection of haemopoietic and rental toxicity. Lead exposure from non-conventional sources such as toys, pet/glass bottles, etc . suggest long-term investigation. The present review compiles result of studies conducted in this area highlighting the importance of pollution-nutrition interaction. This may facilitate policymakers on developing the strategies to counter the heavy metal exposure of humans/livestock and their consequences.

Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

“…Particularly, the mean levels of Ca, Se, and Mg estimated from the diet were lower among the e-waste recyclers, while the mean level of Zn intake was lower among the controls. These results are consistent with similar outcomes in Malawi [ 43 ] and South Africa [ 44 ] where Ca and Se intake were inadequate among adult males (general population). Based on the inadequate intake of micronutrient-rich diets among the e-waste recyclers and controls, these findings seem to suggest micronutrient deficiency as a common public health issue among healthy males in sub-Saharan Africa.…”

Assessment of Micronutrient Status of Electronic Waste (E-waste) Recyclers at Agbogbloshie (Ghana) Using Dietary Information and Biomarker Data

“…In our study, burners, who are highly exposed to heat, poorly consumed Zn-rich foods believed to alleviate heat stress. Other studies have also predicted de ciencies in micronutrients (such as Ca, Cu, Mg and Se) to be associated with increased exposure to toxic metals and other pollutants released during the informal processing of e-waste (Bharatraj & Yathapu, 2018;Miller & Rayalam, 2017;Schulz et al, 2015). This suggests that in populations such as the informal sector of e-waste recyclers where toxicant exposures seem to be apparent, a public health strategy targeted at adequately increasing dietary intake of micronutrient-rich diets is critical.…”

Micronutrient-rich dietary intake is associated with a reduction in the effects of particulate matter on blood pressure among electronic waste recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

“…Reasons for this pattern are not clear but may be attributed to poverty, job types, lack of access to a variety of micronutrient-rich foods, and perhaps lack of knowledge of optimal dietary practices. Studies have predicted that micronutrient (such as Ca, Cu, Mg, and Se) deficiencies may be associated with increased exposures to PM and heavy metals [30,37,71]. This suggests that, in populations such as informal sector e-waste recyclers, where exposures to PM and metals appear to be high, a public health strategy of increasing dietary consumption of micronutrients, including, if possible, taking supplements to help prevent the detrimental effects due to pollutant exposure is necessary.…”