Putting a Load on Your Bones: Low-Level Cadmium Exposure and Osteoporosis
2006
Low-Level Cadmium Exposure and Osteoporosis
Sample size: 820
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Hood Ernie
Primary Institution: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Hypothesis
Can low-level exposure to cadmium negatively affect bone health in humans?
Conclusion
Low-level exposure to cadmium is associated with decreased bone mineral density in women.
Supporting Evidence
- Increasing urinary cadmium concentrations were associated with decreasing bone mineral density.
- Negative bone effects intensified after menopause.
- Women in the 99th percentile of urinary cadmium had 5-6% lower BMD than those in the 1st percentile.
Takeaway
Even small amounts of cadmium, which we can get from food and tobacco, might hurt our bones.
Methodology
The study assessed urinary cadmium concentrations and bone mineral density in a cohort of women aged 53 to 64.
Limitations
The study acknowledges that the contribution of low-level cadmium exposure to osteoporosis is small.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 53 to 64 years from Lund, Sweden.
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