Cadmium Toxicity

What Does It Mean?

Cadmium toxicity occurs when excess cadmium accumulates in the body, often due to environmental exposure, occupational hazards, or contaminated food and water. Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that affects multiple systems, including the kidneys, liver, bones, and cardiovascular system. Functional medicine focuses on reducing cadmium exposure, enhancing detoxification, and supporting organ function to prevent long-term damage.

How Did We Get There?

Root Causes & Contributing Factors:

• Industrial & Environmental Exposure – Found in batteries, welding fumes, and cigarette smoke.

• Contaminated Water & Food Sources – Cadmium is bioaccumulative in shellfish, rice, leafy vegetables, and organ meats.

• Chronic Kidney Dysfunction – Cadmium is primarily excreted via the kidneys, leading to bioaccumulation in cases of poor renal function.

• Deficient Antioxidant Status – Low glutathione, selenium, and zinc levels impair cadmium detoxification.

• Poor Liver Function & Heavy Metal Burden – Cadmium binds to liver proteins, impairing detox pathways.

• Calcium & Mineral Deficiency – Cadmium competes with calcium and zinc, leading to bone demineralization and osteoporosis.

Signs & Symptoms of Cadmium Toxicity:

• Fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating

• Kidney dysfunction and increased proteinuria

• Hypertension and cardiovascular risk

• Bone pain, osteomalacia, and increased fracture risk

• Respiratory issues (cough, chronic bronchitis, lung inflammation)

• Hormonal imbalances and oxidative stress-related damage

Lab Test Findings

Lab Test Name	Expected Changes	Optimal Range
Cadmium, Blood	Increased	0.0-1.7µg/L

How Do We Treat It?

Functional Medicine Approach:

The goal is to reduce cadmium levels, enhance detoxification pathways, and restore antioxidant defenses.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement	Function	Dosage & Frequency
Vita-Glutathione	Supports detoxification and antioxidant defense	2 capsules with or without food, daily
Vita-Binder	Binds heavy metals and toxins for safer elimination	2 capsules (2 hours apart from supplements or food), daily
Vita DIM	Supports liver detoxification and hormone balance	2 capsules with or without food, daily
V-Inflamma	Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation associated with cadmium	1 capsule without food, daily
Advaclear	Enhances phase 1 and 2 liver detox pathways	2 capsules with or without food, daily
Vita Buff-C Caps	Supports glutathione regeneration and heavy metal detox	2 capsules without food,  daily
Vita B Methyl	Provides methylated B vitamins to support detox pathways	1 capsule without food, daily
Magnesium	Reduces oxidative stress and supports kidney function	2 capsules with or without food, daily
V-Pax	Enhances cellular function and immune resilience	2 capsules without food, daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

• Eliminate Sources of Exposure – Avoid smoking, industrial pollutants, and contaminated seafood.

• Increase Chelating Foods – Consume cilantro, garlic, onions, and sulfur-rich vegetables to enhance heavy metal removal.

• Support Liver & Kidney Function – Increase hydration, fiber intake, and detoxifying herbs.

• Optimize Mineral Intake – Ensure adequate calcium, magnesium, and selenium to reduce cadmium absorption.