Dietary zinc - heavy metal interactions

Experimental evidence has indicated that dietary zinc level may modulate the accumulation and toxic response to lead, cadmium and mercury. Insufficient zinc intakes have been shown to increase the risk associated with the exposure of animals to these heavy metals. On the other hand, moderate zinc supplements have been found to have a marked effect in preventing the deleterious effect produced by lead, mercury and cadmium. The mechanism by which dietary zinc may influence risks from lead, cadmium and mercury is not fully understood; however, the factors involved in the absorption from the gastrointestinal tract are of considerable concern.