Nutrient-toxicant interactions: susceptible populations

Abstract

Nutritional status can substantially modify the toxicity of environmental pollutants. Investigations with experimental animals and epidemiological observations on humans have established the role of nutrition in altering susceptibility to a variety of pollutants including pesticides and heavy metals. The degree of nutritional deficiency that alters susceptibility need not be severe. Frequently only biochemical indications of nutritional deficiency can be associated with changes in the dose-response of an animal or person to a toxic compound.