I copied the metals and elements which are tested by DDI as recommended on autism-mercury forum, put them in alphabetical order, and researched information on those items. If you would like me to research other metals and/or elements which are not included here, please let me know.
For metals and elements not included here:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
United States Environmental Protection Agency Risk Assessment
US Geological Survey Minerals Information
Healthy Eating Club Food Data Charts
A paper on oral chelation of heavy metals
Safe Food and Fertilizer
USDA Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
FDA Guidance on How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Panel on Food Labels
For further information on chelation of heavy metals, see my chelation section here:
Dana's View -- Biological and Medical Information -- Chelation
Aluminum
- USRDA: None
- Signs of toxicity: High levels of aluminum in Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinsonism-Dementia Syndromes of Guam. Certain bone diseases and skeletal issues. Skin rashes from deodorants.
- Environmental sources: Construction, power lines, insulated cables and wiring, cooking utensils, decorations, fencing, highway signs, cans, food packaging, lipsticks, foil, dental crowns and dentures and dental cement, paints, fireworks, veterinary medicines, glues, disinfectants. Used in the production of water purification, sugar refining, brewing, paper, glass, ceramics, rubber, lubricants, wood preservatives, cosmetics, leather tanning. The active ingredient in deodorants and antiperspirants. Used to lower plasma phosphorus levels in patients with kidney issues. Certain vaccines contain an aluminum base.
- Dietary sources: Cans, cooking utensils, food packaging, baking powder, antacids, astringents, buffered aspirin, food additives. Eating substances containing high levels of aluminum (such as antacids) especially when eating or drinking citrus products at the same time. Some soy-based formulas may contain high levels of aluminum. Anti-diarrheal agents, hemorrhoid medications, vaginal douches, processed cheese, "softened" water, and tap water. Cities add aluminum to the water during the fluoridation process.
- Removal/chelation ideas: Use mercury protocol and reduce dietary intake, and it should reduce on its own. Magnesium glycinate. Malic acid will bind aluminum, but unless you are scrupulous in avoiding aluminum in the food and water, giving malic acid can significantly increase the absorption of aluminum. Apple pectin helps deactivate or excrete aluminum. Elder extract (not elder berry).
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/aluminum.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts22.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/aluminum/
Antimony
- USRDA: None
- Signs of toxicity: Gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea), respiratory difficulties, vomiting, watery diarrhea, collapse, irregular respiration, and hypothermia.
- Environmental sources: Antimony oxide is added to furniture, mattresses, pajamas, textiles, carpet, and plastics to prevent them from catching fire. Used medically to treat people infected with parasites. Also found in lead storage batteries, solder, sheet and pipe metal, bearings, castings, pewter, paints, ceramics, fireworks, enamels. In the air, water, and soil near industries including smelters, coal-fired plants, and refuse incinerators.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas: SAMe, B-12/folate/TMG/choline
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/antimony.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts23.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/antimony/
http://www.cotlife2000.com
http://www.criblife2000.com
http://www.natural-parenting.com/cotlifemethod.html
http://www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/sprott/avoid.html
http://www.mercola.com/2001/oct/27/sids_prevention.htm
http://www.foamorder.com/latex.html
http://www.soaringheart.com/
http://www.nontoxic.com/
http://www.abundantearth.com/store/bedsbedding1.html
http://www.lifekind.com/catalog/default.php/cPath/5?osCsid=bacb5a20072cad17a925c33a6166ba83
http://chemicallysensitiveliving.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/antimonyandarsenic/
Arsenic
- USRDA: None
- Signs of toxicity: Sore throat, irritated lungs, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and/or hair, hoarse voice, decreased production of red and white blood cells, abnormal heart rhythm, damage to blood vessels, numbness or a sensation of "pins and needles" in hands and feet, and mental disorders. Ingesting or breathing low levels of inorganic arsenic for a long time can cause a darkening of the skin and the appearance of small "corns" or "warts" on the palms, soles, and torso.
- Environmental sources: If you use arsenic-treated wood [for pest control and to preserve wood] in home projects, you should wear dust masks, gloves, and protective clothing to decrease exposure to sawdust. Do not use arsenic-treated wood for indoor projects, and do not burn arsenic-treated wood. Also included in livestock antibiotics, herbicides, insecticides. Wooden playground equipment.
- Dietary sources: Fish and shellfish can accumulate arsenic.
- Removal/chelation ideas: ALA, DMPS. Garlic?
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/arsenic.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts2.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/arsenic/
http://co.water.usgs.gov/trace/arsenic/
http://www.ewg.org
http://www.ewg.org/issues/arsenic/index.php
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/antimonyandarsenic/
Barium
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Vomiting and diarrhea, difficulties in breathing, increased blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm, stomach irritation, brain swelling, muscle weakness, damage to the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen. At low doses, barium acts as a muscle stimulant and at higher doses affects the nervous system eventually leading to paralysis. Weakness, tremors, anxiety, and dyspnea, excess salivation. A severe loss of potassium. Magnesium and sodium sulfate are antidotal if taken soon after ingestion since either salt will result in the formation of insoluble barium sulfate and prevent further absorption.
- Environmental sources: Industrial emissions, oil and gas industries to make drilling muds (drilling muds make it easier to drill through rock by keeping the drill bit lubricated). Also used to make paint, bricks, tiles, glass, and rubber. Rat poison.
- Dietary sources: Fish and aquatic organisms accumulate barium. A barium compound (barium sulfate) is sometimes used by doctors to perform medical tests and to take barium-rays of the stomach.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/barium_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts24.html
Beryllium
- USRDA: None
- Signs of toxicity: Lung damage and a disease that resembles pneumonia.
- Environmental sources: Mining or ore processing, machining, metal recycling, radiation detectors, transistors, silicon chips, laser tubes, tobacco smoke, house dust.
- Dietary sources: Tobacco smoke
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/beryllium.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts4.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/beryllium/
Bismuth
- USRDA: None
- Signs of toxicity:
- Environmental sources: Used in solders, a variety of other alloys, metallurgical additives, medications, and in atomic research. In the early 1990's, research began on the evaluation of bismuth as a nontoxic replacement for lead in such uses as ceramic glazes, fishing sinkers, food processing equipment, free-machining brasses for plumbing applications, lubricating greases, and shot for waterfowl hunting.
- Dietary sources: Pepto bismol.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/bismuth/
Boron
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. Damage to stomach, intestines, liver, kidney, and brain. May inhibit phenol breakdown.
- Environmental sources: Boric acid, production of glass, fire retardants, leather tanning industries, cosmetics, laundry products, soaps and cleaners, photographic materials, high-energy fuel, pesticides used for cockroach control and some wood preservatives.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts26.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/boron/
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/boron.htm
Cadmium
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Severe lung damage, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney issues, fragile bones, headache, chest pain, muscle weakness, pulmonary edema.
- Environmental sources: Nickel-cadmium batteries, pigments, electroplating/metal coatings, plastics, tobacco smoke.
- Dietary sources: Shellfish, liver, kidney. Coffee, freshwater fish
- Removal/chelation ideas: DMSA, zinc, paprika.
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/cadmium.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts5.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/cadmium/
Calcium
- USRDA: Calcium is required for strength in bones and teeth. Also required for normal blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, enzyme regulation, secretion of insulin in adults, and muscle function. For children 1-3yo, 500 mg/day. For children 4-8yo, 800 mg/day. Upper limit 2,500 mg/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Kidney stones.
- Environmental sources:
- Dietary sources: Milk and milk products, cocoa powder, caramel, wheat, eggs, fish and shellfish, dried fruit, whole lemons and oranges [not juice unless calcium fortified], most nuts but especially almonds, brazilnuts and pistachios, curry powder, ginger, mustard powder, pepper, sesame seeds, soy sauce, worcestershire cause, kidney beans, soy beans, broccoli, cabbage, parsley.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5c.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/calcium.htm
Chromium
- USRDA: Chromium(III) is an essential nutrient that helps the body use sugar, protein,
and fat. Chromium plays a role in glucose and cholesterol metabolism. For children 1-3yo, 11ug/day. For children 4-8yo, 15ug/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Irritation to the nose, stomach upsets and ulcers, convulsions, kidney and liver damage, skin ulcers. Some people are extremely sensitive to chromium(VI) or chromium(III).
- Environmental sources: The metal chromium, which is the chromium(0) form, is used for making steel. Chromium(VI) and chromium(III) are used for chrome plating, dyes and pigments, leather tanning, and wood preserving. Bleaches and detergents, urban air, hip or knee prostheses, and cigarettes.
- Dietary sources: Egg yolk, brewer’s yeast. Vegetables, meat, unrefined sugar, fish, vegetable oil, and fruits.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/chromium.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts7.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/chromium/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5m.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
Cobalt
- USRDA: Cobalt is a part of vitamin B-12. Deficiency results in anemia and neurological issues.
- Signs of toxicity: Asthma, pneumonia, wheezing. In the 1960s, some breweries added cobalt to beer to stabilize the foam. Some people who drank large quantities of the beer experienced nausea, vomiting, and serious effects on the heart.
- Environmental sources: It is used in industry to make alloys (mixtures of metals), colored pigments, and as a drier for paint and porcelain enamel used on steel bathroom fixtures, large appliances, and kitchen wares. Seawater. Burning coal and oil, and from exhaust from cars and trucks. gas turbine aircraft engines. Cobalt is also used to make magnets; corrosion- and wear-resistant alloys; high-speed steels; cemented carbides (also called hardmetals) and diamond tools; catalysts for the petroleum and chemical industries; drying agents for paints, varnishes, and inks; ground coats for porcelain enamels; pigments; battery electrodes; steel-belted radial tires; and magnetic recording media.
- Dietary sources: Green leafy vegetables, organ meats.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts33.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/cobalt/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5p.html
Copper
- USRDA: Copper is required for the functioning of certain enzymes, iron metabolism, the brown pigment in hair and skin, and the central nervous system. Children 1-3yo 340 ug/day, children 4-8yo 440 ug/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Irritation of nose, mouth, and eyes, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps. Liver and kidney damage and effects on the blood. Wilson's disease, a genetic defect that results in accumulation of copper in tissues, includes hepatic cirrhosis, brain damage and demyelination, kidney damage, and hemolytic anemia. Patients may also suffer from poor coordination, psychological impairment, tremors, disturbed gait, rigidity, and eye opacities.
- Environmental sources: Wire, sheet metal, pipes, ceramics, fireworks, and pennies. Used in farming to treat some plant diseases; in water treatment; and to preserve wood, leather, and fabrics. Swimming in lakes or ponds where copper was added to the water as copper fungicides and algicides.
- Dietary sources: Drinking water, especially with copper pipes. Shellfish, liver, kidney, nuts. Cocoa powder, wheat bran, dried baker’s yeast, pepper, molasses, avocado.
- Removal/chelation ideas: Zinc, molybdenum and other metals decrease dietary copper absorption. Milk thistle, glycine, taurine *might* help. Certain amino acids INCREASE absorption. ALA will INCREASE copper levels.
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/copper.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts132.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/myb/
http://www.nutritional-solutions.com/metals/copper.htm
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5i.html
http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs17.htm
http://http://www.gicare.com/pated/edtgs17.htm
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/cgi-bin/nut_search.pl
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR13/sr13.html
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/copper.htm
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
Germanium
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Damage to nervous system, kidneys, muscles. Anemia.
- Environmental sources: Fiber optics communication networks, infrared night vision systems, and polymerization catalysts.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/germanium/
http://www.nnfa.org/services/science/bg_germanium.htm
Iodine
- USRDA: Iodine is required for thyroid functioning, which regulated metabolism. Iodine deficiency causes goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. Children 1-8yo 90 ug/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Excessive amounts of iodine can also cause goitre.
- Environmental sources:
- Dietary sources: Iodized salt, seafood, some amount in meats, milk, and vegetables.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/iodine/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5k.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/iodine.htm
Iron
- USRDA: Iron is required for the utilization of oxygen. It is contained in the red pigment [hemoglobin] of blood. Vitamin C in a meal will increase the availability of iron in the meal. Iron deficiency is called anemia. Children 1-3yo 7 mg/day, children 4-8yo 10 mg/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Heart disease, organ damage, cancer.
- Environmental sources: Steel.
- Dietary sources: Cocoa powder, wheat bran, dried baker’s yeast, eggs, certain shellfish, beef, certain nuts, certain spices/herbs, mineral supplements.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/iron_oxide/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5e.html http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/iron.htm
Lead
- USRDA: None.
- Signs of toxicity: Damage to central nervous system, kidneys, and the reproductive system. The effects are the same whether it is breathed or swallowed. At high levels, lead may decrease reaction time, cause weakness in fingers, wrists, or ankles. Blood anemia, severe stomachache, muscle weakness, and brain damage. Loss of appetite, metallic taste, constipation, obstipation, pallor, malaise, weakness, insomnia, headache, irritability, pain in muscles and joints, fine tremors, colic, and Burton's lines (purple-blue discoloration of the gums).
- Environmental sources: Lead-based paint (homes built before 1978). Vinyl mini-blinds, bathtubs, ceramic tile, newsprint, rubber toys, old metal toys, tobacco smoke, fishing sinkers. Water pipes (run your water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking or cooking with it). Make-up and hair coloring contain lead. It is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), and devices to shield X-rays. Because of health concerns, lead from gasoline, paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced in recent years. Engaging in certain hobbies in which lead is used (for example, stained glass).
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas: DMSA. The only semi safe way to contain lead paint is to paint over it, but the outer layer of paint must be intact.
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/lead.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts13.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/lead/
http://www.aeclp.org/
http://www.lead.org.au/lasn/lasn006.html
http://www.leadinspector.com/reduce.html
Lithium
- USRDA: The average dietary intake is estimated to be about 2 mg per day.
- Signs of toxicity: anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, alopecia, weight gain, thirst, pretibial edema (sodium retention), polyuria, glycosuria, aplastic anemia, tremors, acne, muscle spas, hypothyroidism, dysarthria, ataxia, impaired cognition, and pseudotumor cerebri. Three patients on chronic lithium therapy developed leukemia, and one developed a thyroid tumor.
- Environmental sources: Component of metal alloys, used as a nuclear reactor coolant, in alkaline storage batteries, ceramic industry; welding and brazing fluxes, multipurpose automotive greases.
- Dietary sources: Found in natural waters (particularly mineral waters) as well as in foods. Treatment of manic depressive affective disorders and as an antigout medication.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/lith.shtml
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/lithium/
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/lithium.htm
Magnesium
- USRDA: Magnesium is required for enzyme function, and muscle and nerve function. Children 1-3yo 80 mg/day, children 4-8yo 130 mg/day.
- Signs of toxicity:
- Environmental sources: Production of iron and steel, glass, cement. Aluminum-magnesium alloy used to make aluminum cans.
- Dietary sources: Most cereals and vegetables. Most of the foods included above under “calcium” also contain magnesium. In addition, dried baker’s yeast, banana, most meats, coconuts, peanuts, walnuts, table salt.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/magnesium/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5d.html http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/magnesium.htm
- USRDA: Manganese is required for the formation of bone and enzymes. Adults 2 to 3 mg manganese/day is adequate, 8 to 9 mg/day is safe (WHO 1973). The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council also examined the available evidence and determined 10 mg manganese/day to be safe. They chose an adequate and safe intake of manganese to be 2 to 5 mg/day for adults. Children 1-3yo 1.2 mg/day, children 4-8yo 1.5 mg/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Impairment of visual reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and hand steadiness, chills, fever, sweating, nausea, coughing, influenza-like symptoms, lethargy, increased muscle tonus, tremor, and mental disturbances. Headache, disorientation, speech disturbances, memory loss, and acute anxiety. Symptoms similar to those seen with Parkinsonism. An increased incidence of coughs, colds, dyspnea during exercise, bronchitis, and altered lung ventilatory parameters.
- Environmental sources: Pesticides, plant fertilizers, animal feed, batteries, brick colorant, welding, manufacturing metal alloys to increase hardness and corrosion resistance.
- Dietary sources: Drinking contaminated water, certain other diets (vegetarian) were possibly higher in manganese, greater bioavailability of manganese from water. Nuts, grains and cereals, vegetables, tea.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/mn.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts151.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/manganese/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5n.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/manganese.htm
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: ARI article linked below, autism, pink disease, brain damage, mental retardation, kidney damage, incoordination, blindness, seizures or tremors, sensory disturbances, vision and hearing changes, memory problems, irritability, inability to speak, lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, skin rash, eye irritation. Children poisoned by mercury may develop problems of their nervous and digestive systems, and kidney damage. Can cause vasodilation, hyperkeratosis, and hypersecretion of the sweat glands.
- Environmental sources: Thimerosal in vaccines. Included in amalgam dental fillings. Methyl mercury has been used as a fungicide, disinfectant, paint preservative, batteries, certain pharmaceuticals, and in industrial processes. Carefully handle and dispose of products that contain mercury, such as thermometers or fluorescent light bulbs. Do not vacuum up spilled mercury, because it will vaporize and increase exposure. Mercury salts are sometimes used in skin lightening creams and as antiseptic creams and ointments.
- Dietary sources: Fish and shellfish, dental amalgams.
"Safe" list of fish: Summer Flounder, Wild Pacific Salmon, Croaker, Sardines, Haddock, Tilapia.
- Removal/chelation ideas: DMPS, DMSA, ALA, sauna.
- Links:
http://www.autism.com/ari/mercurylong.html
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/mercury_f_V1.shtml
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/methyl_mercury_f_V1.shtml
http://www.innvista.com/health/healmerc.htm
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html
http://www.altcorp.com/hgmedicines.htm
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/mercury/
http://oceansalive.org/eat.cfm?subnav=healthalerts
http://www.mercola.com/2002/mar/2/fish.htm
http://www.oehha.ca.gov/fish/general/99fish.html
http://www.mercuryaction.org/fish
http://oceansalive.org/eat.cfm
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~frf/sea-mehg.html
http://www.ewg.org/reports/brainfood/sidebar.html
http://www.ewg.org/issues/siteindex/issues.php?issueid=5010
http://www.mercuryvapor.com
http://hgtech.com/Information/Thimerosal.htm
http://www.epa.gov/region01/steward/neeat/mercury/invent.html
http://movies.commons.ucalgary.ca/mercury/
- USRDA: Molybdenum is required for the enzymes for sulfur amino acid metabolism, and metabolism of waste products for excretion. Children 1-3yo 17 ug/day, 4-8yo 22 ug/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Increase in uric acid and subsequent development of gout-like diseases and other bone/joint disorders. Gout-like symptoms such as arthralgia, articular deformities, erythema, and edema. Genu valgum (knock-knees). Weakness, fatigue, headache, irritability, lack of appetite, epigastric pain, joint and muscle pain, weight loss, red and moist skin, tremor of the hands, sweating, dizziness, hair and skin changes. Excessive intake of molybdenum causes a physiological copper deficiency, and conversely, in cases of inadequate dietary intake of copper, molybdenum toxicity may occur at lower exposure levels.
- Environmental sources: Ferro- and manganese alloys, chemicals, catalysts, ceramics, pigments, electronic parts, induction heating elements, and electrodes, and molybdenum disulfide is used as a lubricant.
Genu valgum (knock-knees) in India was attributed to an increase in Mo levels in sorgum, the main staple food of the region.
- Dietary sources: Cereal grains, certain seeds, potatoes, cabbage, carrots.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/molybdenum_f_V1.shtml
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/molybdenum/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5q.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/molybdenum.htm
- USRDA: Trace.
- Signs of toxicity: Contact dermatitis, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and giddiness.
- Environmental sources: Smoking tobacco, nickel plating, ceramics, nickel-cadmium batteries, eating utensils, coins, jewelry, cosmetics, dental materials and orthodontic appliances, and tools. Used in almost anything which looks shiny silver (coins, shopping carts, faucets, drinking fountains, etc).
- Dietary sources: Contaminated water and food. Green leafy vegetables. Fruits, tuberous vegetables, and grains do contain some nickel also. Used in the hydrogenation process, so present in products like margarine and peanut butter and any other hydrogenated food.
- Removal/chelation ideas: Sauna [sweat excretes nickel].
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/nickel_and_nickel_compounds_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts15.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/nickel/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5r.html
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/nickel.htm
- USRDA: Phosphorus together with calcium are required for development of bones and teeth. Also required for metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, utilization of B vitamins, and in energy metabolism. Children 1-3yo 460 mg/day, children 4-8yo 500 mg/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Coughing and irritation of the throat and lungs, poor wound healing of the mouth and breakdown of the jaw bone, vomiting, stomach cramps, drowsiness, burned skin , damage to liver, heart, and kidneys.
- Environmental sources: Rat poison, fireworks, fertilizers, cleaners.
- Dietary sources: Cocoa powder, wheat bran, dried baker’s yeast, eggs, fish and shellfish, milk, most meats, most nuts, curry powder, caramel.
- Removal/chelation ideas: Use of antacids can cause phosphorus deficiency.
- Links:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts103.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/phosphate_rock/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5f.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/phosphorus.htm
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity:
- Environmental sources: Fine jewelry, fertilizers, high-octane gasoline, explosives, and nitric acid.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/platinum/
Potassium
- USRDA: Potassium is required for muscle function, transmission of nerve impulses, and carbohydrate and protein metabolism.
- Signs of toxicity: Excessive potassium intake can cause heart irregularities and can cause the heart to stop beating (cardiac arrest).
- Environmental sources:
- Dietary sources: Cocoa powder, red wine, wheat, soy beans, dried baker’s yeast, eggs, most fish and shellfish, most fruits and vegetables, most meats, most nuts, milk and milk products, curry powder, ginger, mustard powder, sesame seeds, soy sauce, tomato sauce, caramel.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5b.html
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/potassium.htm
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity:
- Environmental sources:
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
- USRDA: Selenium is an essential trace element important in many biochemical and physiological processes including the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q (a component of mitochondrial electron transport systems), regulation of ion fluxes across membranes, maintenance of the integrity of keratins, stimulation of antibody synthesis, and activation of glutathione peroxidase (an enzyme involved in preventing oxidative damage to cells). Children 1-3 yo 20 ug/day, children 4-8yo 30 ug/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Dizziness, fatigue, irritation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle aches and pain, chills, tremors, coughing, nosebleed, loss of smell, collection of fluid in the lungs, and severe bronchitis. Skin rashes, swelling, and pain. Brittle or lost hair, deformed nails and fingers, tooth decay, loss of feeling and control in the arms and legs, excessive salivation, garlic odor to the breath, shallow breathing, and diarrhea.
- Environmental sources: Anti-dandruff shampoo, gun blueing, photoconductor in plain paper copiers, plumbing brasses.
- Dietary sources: Seafoods, kidney and liver meats, and grains and cereals.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/selenium_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts92.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/selenium/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5o.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Argyria, a blue-gray discoloration of the skin and other body tissues. Argyria is a permanent effect, but it appears to be a cosmetic problem that may not be otherwise harmful to health. Other effects can be breathing problems, lung and throat irritation, stomach pains, deposition of granular silver-containing deposits in the eyes, and impaired night vision. Silver nitrate solutions are highly irritating to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, and can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, shock, and convulsions.
- Environmental sources: Dental alloys, antibacterial agent, water purification [drinking and for swimming pools], photographic materials, electroplating, electrical conductors, solder and brazing alloys, paints, jewelry, coins, mirrors, silverware, and lozenges and chewing gum to help people stop smoking.
- Dietary sources: Silverware, drinking water, stop-smoking remedies as above.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/silver_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts146.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/silver/
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: High blood pressure
- Environmental sources:
- Dietary sources: Table salt, baking soda, MSG, certain preservatives. Cocoa, fish and shellfish, olives in brine, corned beef, bacon, canned ham, salami, sausages, most cheeses, curry powder, mayonnaise, soy sauce, tomato sauce, caramel, most canned vegetables.
- Removal/chelation ideas: Potassium can help to partly offset the adverse effect of sodium on blood pressure.
- Links:
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5a.html
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/sodium.htm
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Bone tumors.
- Environmental sources: Produced in nuclear fission.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/strontium_90_f_V1.shtml
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/strontium/
- USRDA: Sulfur is required for growth, tissue maintenance, and enzyme production.
- Signs of toxicity: Burned skin and eyes, tooth erosion, respiratory tract irritation. Laxative action.
- Environmental sources: Fertilizers, explosives, other acids, glue, purification of petroleum, pickling of metal, lead-acid batteries. Manufacture of detergents, soaps, fertilizers, lead-acid batteries. Printing and publishing or photography shops. Touching the material that forms on the outside of your car battery. Coming in contact with toilet bowl cleaners mixed with water. Used as a fungicide and algicide. Acid rain or snow. Diesel engine exhaust.
- Dietary sources: Most dietary sulfur comes from the amino acids contained in proteins. Dissolved sulfate is considered to be a permanent solute of water
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/sulfate_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts117.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/sulfur/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5g.html
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Numbness of fingers and toes, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, ataxia, delirium, tremors, hallucinations, sleep disorders, tiredness, weakness, nervousness, headache, other psychic alterations, and neurological and muscular symptoms.
- Environmental sources: The most common nonoccupational sources of thallium exposure are contaminated food crops and tobacco.
- Dietary sources: Consumption of fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil, use of tobacco products, fish and shellfish.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/thallium_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts54.html
http://www.radsci.ucla.edu/telemed/zhu-ling
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Radioactive substance.
- Environmental sources: Used to make ceramics, gas lantern mantles, metals used in the aerospace industry, fuel for generating nuclear energy. Breathing air near facilities where uranium, phosphate, or tin ore is processed. Living near radioactive waste disposal sites.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts147.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/thorium/
Tin
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Stomachaches, anemia, eye irritation, and liver and kidney problems.
- Environmental sources: Tin cans, brass, bronze, pewter, some soldering materials, plastics, food packages, plastic pipes, pesticides, paints, and pest repellants. Toothpaste and perfumed soaps. PVC plastic manufacture, dyes and pigments, electroconductive coatings on glass (window defrost systems), porcelain, ceramic glazes.
- Dietary sources: Food packages. Cereals, fresh meat, and fresh vegetables do contain some tin.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts55.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/tin/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5s.html
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/tin.htm
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity:
- Environmental sources: Corrosion resistance, white pigment in paints, paper, and plastics.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/titanium/
Uranium
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity: Radioactive substance. Kidney damage.
- Environmental sources: Breathing air or drinking water in a place that has higher than background levels of uranium. Eating food grown in areas with higher than background levels of uranium. Working in factories that process uranium or with phosphate fertilizers, or living near any type of mine. Living near a coal-fired power plant.
- Dietary sources: Wash hands frequently and before eating, wash fruits and vegetables grown in that soil well, and consider discarding the outside portion of root vegetables.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts150.html
http://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q3085.html
- USRDA: None
- Signs of toxicity: Lung irritation, coughing, wheezing, chest pain, runny nose, sore throat, intestinal cramping and diarrhea, eye and respiratory tract irritation.
- Environmental sources: Special kinds of steel used for automobile parts, springs, and ball bearings; manufacture of rubber, plastics, ceramics, and other chemicals. Minor uses include applications as color modifiers in mercury-vapor lamps, as driers in paints and varnish, and as corrosion inhibitors in flue-gas scrubbers.
- Dietary sources: Radishes, dill
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/vanadium_f_V1.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts58.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/vanadium/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5u.html
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/vanadium.htm
- USRDA: Zinc is required for protein and carbohydrate metabolism, wound healing, growth, and vision. Not enough zinc in the diet can result in a loss of appetite, a decreased sense of taste and smell, slow wound healing and skin sores, or a damaged immune system. Young men who don't get enough zinc may have poorly developed sex organs and slow growth. If a pregnant woman doesn't get enough zinc, her babies may have growth retardation. Children 1-3yo 3 mg/day, children 4-8yo 5 mg/day.
- Signs of toxicity: Effects generally begin at levels from 10-15 times the RDA (in the 100 to 250
mg/day range). Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, leg/chest pain, anemia, pancreas damage, and lower levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (the good form of cholesterol).
- Environmental sources: Zinc oxide. Used to coat metals to prevent rust, in dry cell batteries, and mixed with other metals to make alloys like brass and bronze. A zinc and copper alloy is used to make pennies in the United States. Used to make paint, rubber, dye, wood preservatives, ointments, glues. Supplement in animal feeds and fertilizers, catalyst, chemical intermediate, and mildew inhibitor. Used in deodorants, antiseptics, astringents, paint pigments varnishes, and oil colors. Rat killer.
- Dietary sources: Drinking water in pipes with zinc coating. It builds up in fish and other organisms, but it doesn't build up in plants. Meat, eggs, liver. Cocoa powder, wheat bran, dried baker’s yeast, shellfish, many nuts, certain cheeses, pepper.
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://risk.lsd.ornl.gov/tox/profiles/zn.shtml
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts60.html
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zinc/
http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/books-phds/books/foodfacts/html/data/data5j.html
http://www4.nationalacademies.org/iom/iomhome.nsf/WFiles/Webtableminerals/$file/Webtableminerals.pdf
http://www.healthhelper.com/vitamins/minerals/zinc.htm
Zirconium
- USRDA:
- Signs of toxicity:
- Environmental sources: Jewelry, ceramics.
- Dietary sources:
- Removal/chelation ideas:
- Links:
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zirconium/
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