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Spices and herbs play an important role in the human diet, mostly due to the presence of essential oils and high antioxidant activity. Therefore, the toxicity of metals raises concerns about the safety of consumption of spices and herbs. This paper examines the content of Cd and Pb in fresh and dried herbs and single-component spices that are the most popular in Polish cuisine: 100 samples of nine kinds of dried herbs, 184 samples of 15 kinds of fresh herbs and 148 samples of 14 kinds of loose single-component spices. The level of Cd and Pb was determined using the GF AAS method. The safety of herbs and spices for consumption was estimated based on the percentage intake of Cd and Pb compared with the tolerable intake (% TWI, % BMDL), chronic daily intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and comparisons of the results of chemical analyses with the maximum admissible levels of Cd and Pb in Poland and in the European Union. Calculated per fresh weight of the product, dried herbs on average contained 0.134 ± 0.168 mg of Cd and 0.548 ± 0.161 mg of Pb per kg -1 , fresh herbs on average contained 0.004 ± 0.007 mg of Cd and 0.039 ± 0.033 mg of Pb per kg -1 , and the mean content of Cd in spices was 0.017 ± 0.019 mg per kg -1 and 0.064 ± 0.050 mg of Pb. The % TWI, % BMDL, CDI, THQ and HI (Cd + Pb) for all the analysed products were lower than 1. The results do not imply a risk due to the supply of Cd and Pb with the diet to the human body, primarily due to the small intake of these products. However, it should be highlighted that the content of Cd in dried coriander and estragon and that of Pb in watercress, jiaogulan, celery, basil and dill exceeded the acceptable limit. Thus, their consumption for people from particularly sensitive groups such as babies, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people should be carefully limited., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The purpose of this survey was to estimate the safety of ready-to-eat infant foods in terms of Pb and Cd content. The studied samples were ready-to-eat infant products: dinners (n = 74), soups (n = 27) and desserts (n = 82) containing components of animal origin: meat and/or milk. Cd and Pb content was determined using a GF-AAS method. The analysed products contained 1.82-3.54 µg Pb and 1.32-1.50 µg Cd per kg. The content of Pb per kg of the product can be represented as dinners > soups > desserts, whereas the content of Cd was dinners > desserts > soups. The analysed ready-to-eat products could be regarded as safe, because they supply 12-month-old infants with Pb in an amount accounting for nearly 22% BMDL01 and Cd accounting for ca. 8.6% of the total weekly intake.

The presented studies aimed to verify whether fish and fishery products available on the Polish market were safe for consumers in terms of Cd and Pb content. Safety was evaluated according to the content of Cd and Pb in fishery products and based on the share of such products in supplying Cd and Pb in the weekly diet of an adult. Fish samples, of which 139 were smoked fish (26 samples of mackerel, 21 of salmon, 35 of sprat, 38 of eel and 19 of trout) and 117 samples of prepared fish-based dishes (20 of salads, 41 of spreads and 56 of marinated herring) were analysed. The content of Cd and Pb was determined using the GF AAS method. The content of Cd per 1 kg of the analysed product can be represented as follows: salads > smoked eel > smoked salmon and mackerel > smoked trout and spreads > marinated herring > smoked sprat. The content of Pb per 1 kg of the analysed product can be represented as follows: smoked salmon and salads > smoked mackerel and spreads > smoked eel > smoked sprat and smoked trout. Most Cd was found in salads (on average 10.7 μg kg -1 ; range 6.53-14.7 μg), whereas most Pb was recorded in salads (on average 56.8 μg per kg; range 32.6-78.9 μg) and marinated fish (on average 58.8 μg per kg; range 19.8-79.6 μg). Fish and fishery products available in Poland are safe for consumers.

Background: The study aimed to verify whether the consumption of frozen fishery products was safe in terms of Cd and Pb content. The study material was 31 frozen fishery products (15 breaded products and 16 fillets). Immediately before the analyses the products were subject to culinary treatment according to the recommendations of the producer: fried in colza oil or baked in a gas oven. The level of Cd and Pb was determined using the GF AAS method., Results: The analysed frozen products contained on average 14.0 µg Cd kg -1 and 18.5 µg Pb kg -1 . Compared to raw products, baked fish contained 56% more Cd and 72% more Pb, whereas fried fish contained 16% more Cd and 15% more Pb. Compared to fried products, baked fish contained 34% more Cd and 49% more Pb., Conclusion: The content of Cd and Pb in the products did not exceed the acceptable standard. However, it cannot be clearly stated which method of culinary treatment of frozen fishery products is the best with regard to the level of Cd and Pb in the final products. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Toxic elements such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) accumulate to the largest extent in bones. Rats at the age of 12 weeks were used to check whether tannic acid (TA) at the concentration of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%. 2.0% or 2.5% would have a protective effect on the structure and properties of bones in the case of exposure to Cd and Pb (diet: 7mg Cd/kg and 50mg Pb/kg) for 12 weeks. The effects of administration of TA in Cd- and Pb-poisoned rats on bone mechanical and geometric properties, trabecular histomorphometry as well as the morphology of articular and growth cartilages were determined. All the rats co-exposured to Cd and Pb had enhanced heavy metals concentration in blood plasma and bone and reduced bone Ca content irrespective of the tannic acid administration. Heave metals given to adult rats did not influence the morphology and geometry of the femur, but reduced the mechanical endurance and histomorphometric parameters of trabecular bone irrespective of the treatment. A diet rich in TA improved articular cartilage and growth plate constituents in heavy metal-poisoned rats, as indicated by the measurement of the thickness of particular zones. It seems that a use of alimentary TA supplementation in adult rats can counteract, in a dose-dependent manner, only some of the destructive changes evoked by Cd and Pb excess., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Adolescent male Wistar rats were used to check whether regular consumption of black, red, white, or green tea would have a protective effect on femur development during 12-week exposure to Cd and Pb (7mg Cd and 50mg Pb in 1kg of the diet). The animals were randomly divided (n=12) into a positive control (without Cd, Pb and teas), a negative control group (Cd and Pb), and groups supplemented additionally with green (GT), black (BT), red (RT), and white tea (WT). Heavy metals reduced the geometric and densitometric parameters and the total thickness of articular cartilage irrespective of tea administration and influenced mechanical endurance, growth plate thickness, and trabecular histomorphometry depending on the tea type. It is difficult to indicate which tea has the best protective effects on bone and hyaline cartilage against heavy metal action., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The degree of accumulation and distribution of Cd and Pb in the organs of young animals compared to the amount taken in with water or feed have not been thoroughly investigated yet. The experiment aimed to verify whether the source of toxic metals (feed, drinking water) administered to growing rats orally has an influence on the degree of accumulation of Cd and Pb in the organs (brain, spleen, lungs, heart, liver and kidneys). The rats received Cd and/or Pb respectively in the amount of 7 mg and/or 50 mg per 1 kg of feed or per 1 L of distilled water. The rats' organs accumulated in total about 0.5 % Cd and about 0.71 % Pb consumed with water and about 0.46 % Cd and about 0.63 % Pb taken in with feed. More than 60 % of Cd and more than 70 % of Pb absorbed by the studied organs was accumulated in the liver, and more than 30 % of Cd and 26-29 % of Pb in the kidneys and less than 1 % in other organs. The relationship between the distribution percentage of Cd in the studied organs can be presented as: liver > kidneys > brain > lungs > heart > spleen. The relationship between the distribution percentage of Pb can be presented as: liver > kidneys > brain > spleen > heart > lungs. Significantly (P < 0.05), more Cd and Pb were accumulated in total in the organs of rats receiving the metals in drinking water.

The protective effect of green (GT), black (BT), red (RT) and white (WT) tea infusions on the lungs, brains, hearts, livers and kidneys of adult Wistar rats exposed to Cd (7 mg/kg) and Pb (50 m/kg) was studied. The degree of reduction in the absorption of Cd and Pb in the organs compared to control group and the activity of SOD, CAT and GPx as well as GSH level was evaluated. It was determined that tea significant reduced the accumulation of Cd in the tissues. A significant reduction in the accumulation of Pb was recorded in the brain (WT), liver (GT, WT) and kidneys (BT, GT, RT, WT). A significant increase was observed in the activity of SOD, CAT and GPx in the organs of all rats from tea groups. It was found that the results obtained in rats receiving black, red and white tea were overall not worse than those recorded for rats receiving green tea. The obtained results suggest that drinking tea could be an effective method of reducing the adverse effect of environmental Cd and Pb pollution on the human body., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Adult rats at the age of 12 weeks were divided into the control group and groups supplemented with green (GT), black (BT), red (RT), or white (WT) tea extracts. The diet (except that for the control) was mixed with 7 mg Cd/kg and 50 mg Pb/kg. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. Basal haematology and plasma biochemical parameters as well as the histomorphometrical parameters of jejunal epithelium and liver were determined. The lowest body mass was found in the RT and WT groups. Some functional (increased plasma ALT and AST, and the de Ritis coefficient) and structural changes in the liver (slight fatty degenerative changes, an increase in the intercellular space) were evident irrespective of the type of tea in the Cd and Pb poisoned rats. This toxic effect was visible especially in rats drinking black or red tea. However, the rats had no elevated LDH and ALT activities. The highest content of Cd and Pb in the liver and blood plasma was found in rats drinking red tea. Based on the results obtained, it is clear that long-term exposure of adult rats with a mature intestinal barrier to Cd and Pb contamination, under higher exposure conditions than the current estimates of weekly exposure of the general population to Cd and Pb through diet, causes a toxic effect, especially in the liver, and can change the structure of intestinal mucosa, irrespective of tea administration., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The degree of accumulation of Cd and Pb in the brains, spleens, lungs, hearts, livers and kidneys of adult Wistar rats was compared both for separate (Cd or Pb) and combined (Cd+Pb) oral exposure. In addition, the metals were administered either with liquids or with solid feed. Rats were exposed to low doses of metals (7mg Cd and 50mg Pb/kg feed or L of distilled water) over 6 or 12 weeks. In total the organs of rats accumulated about 0.3-0.5% Cd and 0.4-0.6% Pb supplied with food or drink. The presented studies demonstrated that the distribution of Cd and Pb in the organs is affected by: the type of exposure (separate or combined), the source of metals (feed or drinks) and the duration of exposure. It was found that simultaneous exposure to low doses of Cd and Pb supplied with food is much more hazardous than exposure to such metals supplied with water., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The study aimed to assess the risk related to consumption of low-fat dairy products by expectant and lactating women., Material and Methods: A survey was used to verify the popularity of such products among expectant and lactating women and then the content of Cd and Pb in low-fat dairy products was determined., Results: In the group of expectant women consuming dairy products, nearly 93% of the respondents consumed low-fat dairy products, while among lactating women the result was 90%. Both the expectant and lactating women mostly preferred milk and fruit yoghurt. It was found that the studied low-fat products did not contain more Cd and Pb than their standard counterparts., Conclusion: Taking into account the intake of low-fat milk and dairy products declared by respondents, such products must be regarded safe in terms of Cd and Pb content. The maximum supply of Cd and Pb for both groups of women did not exceed 3% TWI and 2% BMDL10.

Mother's milk is the fundamental food for infants. It contains proteins, fat, carbohydrates and essential metals which are necessary to ensure correct functioning of the organism. Unfortunately, breast milk is a potential source of toxic metals, which are dangerous for a baby. In Poland, previous research concerning the content of metals in breast milk was very scarce or its results were unavailable. The present study aimed at assessing the content of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in human breast milk, as well as estimating the mean weekly intake of these metals by breast-fed infants from Poland. The average concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were 2.114 μg/l, 6.331 μg/l, 0.137 mg/l and 1.623 mg/l, respectively. The admissible levels of supply of these toxic metals has not been exceeded, but their contents were high, particularly in 6-month-old infants (nearly 85 % TWI for Cd and nearly 70 % BMDL₀₁ for Pb). The daily intake of Cu and Zn did not fully satisfy the infant's requirements determined by Polish standards and WHO recommendations. Since the lifestyle of lactating women has a direct influence on the content of these elements in breast milk, women should be educated in this respect with particular focus on eliminating tobacco smoking, both by breastfeeding mothers and by their direct environment.

Background: The presence of heavy metals in food products has become a global problem. In order to reduce the absorption of heavy metals from food we should consider substances which bind these toxic metals and are generally available and easy to apply, such as tannins., Objectives: The study aimed at verifying if oral administration of tannic acid could reduce the accumulation of lead and cadmium in the heart and lungs of rats subjected to a continuous exposure of toxic metals in low doses., Material and Methods: Adolescent and adult male Wistar rats were given tannic acid (2% solution) or distilled water containing 0, 50, 100 mg Pb (as (CH₃COO)₂Pb)/L or 0, 7, 14 mg Cd (as CdCl₂)/L, for 6 or 12 weeks., Results: Administering a 2% solution of tannic acid alternately with Pb or Cd to the rats was the effective method of reducing lead and cadmium content in the rats' heart and lungs., Conclusions: The obtained results may be referred to people. It is necessary to conduct further research in order to confirm the hypothesis that tannic acid, present in numerous food products and primarily in drinks (wine, tea and coffee), used in the human diet, may reduce the accumulation of lead and cadmium in the tissues and thus weaken their toxicity, which is important regarding our common exposure to heavy metals found in food.

Chronic exposure to Cd and Pb causes brain damage. Tannic acid (TA) is a very efficient chelator for metals. The effect of exposure to Cd and/or Pb and TA on the rats' brain were studied. Two experiments were carried. In experiment no. 1 metals were administered with feed (7mg Cd and 50mgPb/kg) and TA with drink (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5% solutions). In experiment no. 2, rats received an aqueous solutions of [Cd (7 or 14mg/L) or Pb (50 or 100mg/L)] or 2% TA, alternatively every 7 days. In both experiments, TA had a positive effect only on reducing the accumulation of Cd. Exposure to metals resulted in an decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, whereas TA administration increased those. The results suggests that TA are more effective if taken parallel to food contaminated by Cd, and their effectiveness is higher if their intake is long-term., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study aimed to analyse the toxic metals in the baby fruit and vegetable desserts, juices and dinners available on the Polish market, and find that these products a less are safe for infants. The average daily intake of cadmium and lead found in one jar of dessert, one bottle of juice and one jar of baby dinner is, respectively, 0.20 μg (2% of PTDI) and 0.82 μg (2.2% of PTDI), 0.15 μg (2% of PTDI) and 4.86 μg (13.6% of PTDI), and 0.98 μg (10% of PTDI) and 2.36 μg (6.7% of PTDI). It was confirmed that all the examined baby food met the requirements regarding lead and cadmium contamination, and the obtained results were lower than the maximum acceptable level of the contamination with these metals. It may be assumed that fruit and vegetable products available on the Polish market are safe for infants. However, in some products, the levels of cadmium and lead were high.

Heavy metals are metals and non-metals with molecular weights exceeding 20 and specific gravity above 5. The heavy metal cycle in the environment is linked to the food chain: soil – plant – animal – human. The transfer of metals to the higher link results in a cumulative increase in their content. Pollution with heavy metals has become a severe threat to the environment and food safety due to the rapid development of agriculture and industry and disturbances in the natural ecosystem induced by the enormous growth of the global population. Major sources of heavy metals in soil are bedrock, industrial and transport emissions, municipal management, and agriculture. Three main reasons for the toxicity of metals were found to be: participation of metals in enhancing the production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and modification of the activity of the antioxidant system, ability to react directly with proteins, resulting from the affinity between metals and thiol, histidine and carboxyl groups and leading to the attachment of metal ions to active sites of enzymes, structural elements of cells and proteins involved in cell transport, and replacement of elements necessary for metabolism, e.g. calcium in bones or iron in erythrocytes with metals, which leads to damage and changes in their structure and metabolism. The key solution towards decreasing the content of Cd and Pb in food is to limit or prevent their initial absorption by plants used for food or animal feed. However, due to the complexity of interactions between soil chemistry, varieties and species of plants and agronomic practices, additional research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Polyphenols, including tannic acid, have strong antioxidant properties. They chelate prooxidant toxic metals and are known as pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance agents. Tea aids detoxification of the body by inhibiting absorption and facilitating excretion of toxic metals from the body. Since the tea infusions acted more effectively than the isolated TA, it can be assumed that the protective effect of teas on the organism against toxic metals should be considered in the context of the cumulative effect of various active substances present in the infusions. The protective effect of tannic acid and tea solutions on the lungs, hearts and brains of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to Pb and Cd was studied. Metals were administered with feed (7 mg Cd and 50 mg Pb/kg). Two experiments were carried. Experiment 1 aimed to determine the level of tannic acid (TA), most effectively reducing the adverse impact of Pb and Cd on the organs of adolescent rats (aged 5 weeks, weighing 169.3 ± 14.7 g) during combined exposure. TA was administered with drink (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 or 2.5% solutions). In Experiment 2, adolescent rats (aged 6 weeks, weighing 210.6 ± 12.1 g) received an aqueous solutions of black, green, red or white teas. TA and teas had a positive effect on reducing the accumulation of Cd in the organs. The results obtained suggest that long-term continuing administration of TA increases its effectiveness as a chelator for Pb. A 2% TA and white tea solution proved to be the most effective. In the analyzed tissues, increased activity of SOD and CAT was recorded as a result of the use of the TA and teas; thus, they can efficiently prevent the prooxidant effect of toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic metals occurring commonly in the human environment that show mutagenic, genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Dietary components could prevent heavy metals intoxication by reducing their accumulation in the body. The purpose of the study was to check possible protective effect of regular consumption of white, black, red, or green tea on bone metabolism during long-term exposure to Pb and Cd in adult rats. The 12 week-long exposure to Pb and Cd (50 mg Pb and 7 mg Cd/kg of the diet) in a rat model was studied. Twelve-week-old adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a negative control group (Pb and Cd exposure without tea), a control (without Pb and Cd and teas), and groups co-exposed to Pb and Cd and supplemented with green, red, black, or white tea (n=12 each group). The experiment lasted for 12 weeks. The co-exposure to Pb and Cd led to the increase of bone resorption depending on the tea treatment, which was confirmed by the mechanical testing and histomorphometrical examination of cancellous bone. Pb and Cd influenced mechanical strength, reduced the densitometric and geometric parameters and the thickness of growth plate and articular cartilages. Concluding, white tea exerted the best protective effect on bone tissue and hyaline cartilage against heavy metal action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are toxic elements that accumulate to the largest extent in bones. Rats were used to investigate whether tannic acid (TA; 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%. 2.0%, or 2.5%) would have a protective effect on the structure and properties of bones in the case of exposure to Cd and Pb (diet: 7 mg Cd/kg and 50 mg Pb/kg) for 6 weeks. The effects of administration of TA in Cd-and Pb-poisoned rats on bone characteristics and the morphology of articular and growth cartilages were determined. All the rats administered Cd and Pb had an enhanced Cd and Pb concentration in blood plasma and bone and reduced bone Ca content irrespective of the TA administration. Cd and Pb alone reduced the mechanical endurance and histomorphometric parameters of trabecular bone and the thickness of the growth plate and articular cartilage. Tannic acid improved cancellous bone parameters in the rat exposed to Cd and Pb. A diet rich in TA improved articular cartilage constituents in heavy metal-poisoned rats. These results suggest that alimentary TA supplementation can counteract in a dosedependent manner some of the destructive changes evoked by Cd and Pb possibly by reducing the exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rats were used to check whether regular consumption of black, red, or white tea would have a protective effect similar to the action of green tea on the intestine and liver in the case of exposure to Cd and Pb within the limits of human environmental exposure to these elements. Rats at the age of 6 weeks were divided into the control and four groups supplemented with green (GT), black (BT), red (RT), or white (WT) tea extracts. Their diet (except the control) was mixed with 7 mg Cd/kg and 50 mg Pb/kg. The experiment lasted 12 weeks. The effects of administration of tea in Cd- and Pb-poisoned rats on plasma biochemical parameters and the jejunal epithelium and liver were determined. The highest body mass was found in the GT group. The highest hemoglobin and Fe concentrations were in the control and GT groups. The highest activity of AST was in groups poisoned with Cd and Pb independently on supplementation. The highest ALT activity was in BT and RT groups with lower content of polifenoles. Pb and Cd disturbed the liver leading to necrosis and fatty degenerative changes, and a loss of normal architecture of the hepatocytes. Rats from the GT group had the highest cell proliferation rate in intestinal glands and the largest absorptive surface. Black, red, and white tea exerted a varied impact on the histological structure and innervation of the small intestine wall as well as on the absorptive function of small intestine mucosa in rats poisoned with Pb and Cd than green tea. On the other hand, taking into account the number of apoptotic cells, the effect of the teas was the same. Moreover, it is clear that long term exposure to Cd and Pb contamination causes toxic effect in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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