Metal toxicity and natural antidotes: prevention is better than cure.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the potential of natural antioxidants as safe and effective alternatives to synthetic chelators for managing heavy metal toxicity.
Results Summary
The study found that natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can effectively scavenge and chelate heavy metals, offering a safer and more economical option compared to synthetic chelators, with minimal side effects.
Population
General population exposed to heavy metals (mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural antidotes | decrease | heavy metal toxicity | - | - | management and prevention | #1 |
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants | decrease | heavy metal toxicity | - | - | are the answers to | #2 |
Synthetic chelators | decrease | essential metals required for normal body function | - | - | impart a major drawback of removing | #3 |
Natural antioxidants | decrease | heavy metals | - | - | are bestowed with scavenging and chelation properties | #4 |
Natural compounds | neutral | - | - | - | are abundantly available, economic, and have minimal side effects | #5 |
Adding plentiful vegetables and fruits to our diet | decrease | heavy metal toxicity-related illness | - | - | can combat | #6 |
Toxicity due to heavy metals (HM), specifically mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) remains a challenge to scientists till date. This review gives insights into natural antidotes for the management and prevention of HM toxicity. Various databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct were searched for available facts on natural antidotes and their commercial products against HM toxicity till date. Toxicity owing to such metals needs prevention rather than therapy. Natural antidotes, fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidant are the answers to such toxicities. Synthetic chelators impart a major drawback of removing essential metals required for normal body function, along with the toxic one. Natural antioxidants are bestowed with scavenging and chelation properties and can be alternative for synthetic chelating agents. Natural compounds are abundantly available, economic, and have minimal side effects when compared with classical chelators. Prevention is better than cure and thus adding plentiful vegetables and fruits to our diet can combat HM toxicity-related illness. Graphical abstract.