Effects of vitamin C and iron and cadmium metabolism.

Toxic levels of dietary cadmium (5-200 ppm) interfered with iron absorption and produced an iron deficiency. Supplements of iron (particularly the divalent form) and ascorbic acid protected against the cadmium. With very low levels of dietary cadmium (about 0.06-0.08 ppm), typical of those in the diets of humans, supplements of iron(II) and ascorbic acid markedly decreased cadmium concentrations in the liver, kidney, and small intestine. Iron deficiency changed the distribution of cadmium within the body. The effect of ascorbic acid on cadmium metabolism appears to depend primarily, if not entirely, on its influence in improving iron absorption. Maintenance of modest iron stores appears to be very important in minimizing cadmium absorption.