Detrimental health relationship between blood lead and cadmium and the red blood cell folate level

Abstract

Increasing studies have demonstrated the association between heavy metal pollution and micronutrients, especially folate. However, the relationship between cadmium and folate remains rarely discussed. In this study, we aim to explore the potential correlation between cadmium and folate in human population and highlight the possible mechanism of cadmium impacting human health. We utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 data with 5690 participants in this study. Multivariable linear regression models were adopted to investigate the serum lead and cadmium levels and RBC folate concentration. A significant reverse relationship was found between serum lead and cadmium and RBC folate. A negative relationship between serum lead and cadmium levels and the levels of RBC folate in the U.S. adult population was found in this study. Nevertheless, due to the general limitations of the NHANES data, as a cross-sectional study, a further prospective investigation is needed to discover the causality of lead and cadmium in folate status and to determine whether the folate supplement has a beneficial influence against heavy metal toxicities.

Associations between Metals, Serum Folate, and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: Mixture and Mediation Analyses

“…Chronic folate deficiency induces glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and subsequent cognitive dysfunction in mice . There is an inverse relationship between Cd and folate, it hypothesized that Cd accumulation may cause impaired gut microbiota through ROS production and increased oxidative stress, thereby affecting folate absorption, and Cd may interfere with the enzymes of the folate cycle . Both Se and folate are nutritional supplements capable of regulating redox and Hcy homeostasis in the body.…”

“…39 There is an inverse relationship between Cd and folate, it hypothesized that Cd accumulation may cause impaired gut microbiota through ROS production and increased oxidative stress, thereby affecting folate absorption, and Cd may interfere with the enzymes of the folate cycle. 16 Both Se and folate are nutritional supplements capable of regulating redox and Hcy homeostasis in the body. Se may potentially impact the metabolism or utilization of folate.…”

“…There is also evidence suggesting that metals can influence serum folate levels. For instance, serum Pb and Cd levels have been inversely associated with red blood cell folate levels in the U.S. adult population . However, whether serum folate mediates the association between metals and cognitive function remains unclear.…”