Nutritional Influences on the Toxicity of Environmental Pollutants

Abstract

Nutritional factors influence the toxicity of some environmental pollutants. Pollutants of importance in such interactions are some pesticides, a number of minerals, and oxidant air pollutants. Nutritional factors of importance in these interactions are dietary protein, especially sulfur-containing amino acids, trace minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Agricultural and geographical factors and food processing procedures affect the interactions. Pathophysiological mechanisms seem to exist that suggest that common air pollutants and pesticides may act in a combined or synergetic fashion to pose an even greater threat to human health than has been recognized.