Cadmium (Cd) has recently emerged as a major concern not only in environmental toxicology but also in metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and its complications. Conflicting data aside, these studies have not been examined in a clinical population undergoing management as well as possible modulation by the prominent metabolic antagonist of Cd such as zinc (Zn). This study examined the relationship between cadmium levels, glycemic control, and renal pathology in established type II diabetic patients with focus on populations exposed to modern environmental health hazards (MEHHs). Sixty-five participants, consisting of 45 type-2 diabetics and 20 non-diabetics were enrolled for the study, mean age 61.51 ± 5.27 years. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was used to classify them into three sub-groups: (A) good glycemic control (44.4%), (B) fair glycemic control (24.4%), and (C) poor glycemic control (31.1%). Plasma levels of glucose, Cd, Zn, HbA1c, creatinine, urinary creatinine, microalbuminuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined in all participants using standard methods. Fasting plasma glucose was higher in diabetics than in non-diabetics (p = 0.000) as well as Zn level, though not significantly. Interestingly, Cd level, Cd/Zn ratio, and urinary creatinine were significantly lower in diabetics than in non-diabetics. The group with poor glycemic control (C) had significantly higher Cd level compared to the one with good glycemic control (group A). The renal function revealed that microalbuminuria and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) was significantly higher in diabetics than in non-diabetics, while eGFR was found to be similar in both diabetics and non-diabetics. UACR inversely correlated with Cd level, while plasma creatinine level positively correlated with Cd but not significantly. Correlation between Cd and HbA1c revealed non-significant inverse correlation (r = −0.007; p > 0.05), while Zn showed a significant inverse correlation with Cd (r = −0.317; p < 0.014). The lower Cd level in diabetics compared to non-diabetics probably reflects the modulating effect of Zn in treated diabetics given nutritional education in addition to their regular regime, including good sources of Zn. The renal insufficiency with increasing Cd level may suggest that the progression of renal impairment may not be responsive to the putative modulating effect of Zn.

Background: Fruits are known as excellent source of mineral and vitamins and may be used to increase rural population food quality. Consuming fruits and vegetables may usually aid in the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition of velvet tamarind (D. guineense wild) fruit and its nutraceutical potential. Methodology: The fruit of velvet tamarind was purchased from “Oja-Oba” market in Ibadan, Nigeria. The fruits were sun-dried, the coat and seed were removed by mechanical means. The pulp was ground using a pestle and mortar, and were transferred into an electric blender (Moulinex) for further grinding. After grinding, the powder was sieved into a finer particle and was used to determine the proximate, phytochemical, vitamin and mineral compositions of velvet tamarind fruit. Results: Velvet tamarind fruit contains high concentration of carbohydrate (79.78%) but very low concentration of fat (0.43%). The phytochemical composition of the fruit has flavonoid (33.78 mg) and phytate (0.07mg) as the highest and lowest phytochemicals respectively. Velvet tamarind pulp was observed to be rich in vitamins with vitamin C (28.82 mg/100g) and vitamin B1 (0.84) having the highest and lowest concentrations respectively. Velvet tamarind pulp contained 5.85 mg/100g of potassium and 0.38 mg/100g of phosphorus as the highest and lowest minerals respectively. Conclusion: The composition of velvet tamarind fruit obtained in this study revealed that it is a good source of nutrient, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals. It should be incorporated as food supplement to reduce malnutrition. It is a fruit with promising nutraceutical potential, thus it is a useful tool for further drug development from the natural plant products.