Protective Value of Dietary Copper and Iron against Some Toxic Effects of Lead in Rats

Abstract

Both dietary iron and copper were inversely related to lead absorption as indicated by erythrocyte and kidney lead levels, dietary iron having the greatest effect. Kidney copper values were depressed when dietary iron was low, a condition which was worsened by lead. Lead tended to lower heart cytochrome c oxidase especially when dietary copper was low, but also when dietary copper and zinc were high. Lead interfered with hematopoiesis when dietary copper and/or iron were low, the effect being especially severe when both essential nutrients were low. These results show the importance of copper and iron nutriture and metabolism as factors which reduce lead toxicity, and emphasize the necessity of considering nutritional status in evaluating lead toxicity.

Changes in Growth Performance, Metabolic Enzyme Activities, and Content of Fe, Cu, and Zn in Liver and Kidney of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Exposed to Dietary Pb

“…There were disagreements about the interaction between Pb and Cu in intestine. Klauder and Petering found dietary copper were inversely related to lead absorption as indicated by erythrocyte and kidney lead levels [39]. On the other hand, Cerklewski and Forbes indicated that supplementary dietary copper does not lessen the severity of lead toxicity but rather exaggerates it [40].…”

Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury

“…Lead ions can replace Ca in cells, thus interfering with the role of Ca in oocyte meiosis and reproductive failure. The protective effect of certain elements (e.g., Fe, S, Zn), vitamin C and vitamin E against Pb toxicity has been reported (Klauder and Petering, 1975;Houston and Johnson, 2000;McDowell, 2000). Serum vitamin C was found to be inversely associated with blood Pb (Houston and Johnson, 2000) suggesting a protective relationship of vitamin C to Pb.…”