Heavy metals can have a significant detrimental effect on health. There are three main ways that this can happen. Firstly, the heavy metals can interfere with the absorption of trace minerals. Secondly, the heavy metals can interfere with trace mineral binding sites on enzymes. Thirdly, heavy metals can generate free radicals which cause oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that vitamin C is able to accelerate the excretion of heavy metals, particularly lead. One mechanism for this is that vitamin C may increase the mobilisation of lead from tissue storage, and in doing so allows the excretory systems to increase the rate of lead excretion. In addition, vitamin C can also decrease the absorption of lead from the gut. From animal experiments it appears that the degree of lead absorption is proportional to the intake of vitamin C and therefore higher intakes of vitamin C are more protective that lower intakes. Vitamin C may also decrease the generation of free radicals by heavy metals, thus reducing their damage to tissues.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, protect Yourself
RdB
