Cadmium in the Portuguese diet: chronic exposure and associated health risks

Background

Cadmium (Cd) is a cumulative environmental contaminant that can enter the food chain, with cereals, vegetables and seafood among the main dietary contributors. Chronic dietary exposure, even at low levels, has been associated with kidney dysfunction and bone demineralization. Within the scope of the European Partnership on the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), this study aimed to estimate the dietary exposure of the Portuguese population to Cd and characterize the associated risk, by age groups.

Methods

Dietary exposure was estimated based on i) the 2015-2016 National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF) for 5,810 individuals aged 3 to 84 years over two non-consecutive 24-hours recalls, and ii) Cd occurrence data from the EFSA database. Age groups considered were children (0-9 years), adolescents (10-17 years), adults (18-65 years) and elderly (>65 years). The Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) of 2.5 µg/kg bw/week established by EFSA and based on kidney effects was considered for risk characterization through Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach.

Results

The mean exposure estimated for the overall Portuguese population was 0.14 µg/kg bw/day, with children and adolescents showing the highest exposure (0.33 µg/kg bw/day and 0.15 µg/kg bw/day, respectively) (p < 0.01). 11% of the participants exceeded the established TWI, with HQ ranging from 0 to 5.87, thus indicating a potential health concern. HQ median results were 0.9, 0.41, 0.31, and 0.30, for children, adolescents, adults, elderly, respectively.

Conclusions

Dietary cadmium exposure in Portugal may pose a public health concern, particularly for children exceeding the TWI, highlighting the need for continued food monitoring and targeted risk mitigation.

Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge the data provided by the National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015-2016). PARC has received funding from the EU Horizon Europe R&I Programme (GA 101057014).

Key messages

• Dietary cadmium exposure in Portugal poses a potential public health concern, with children showing the highest risk and frequent exceedance of the EFSA tolerable intake.

• Food surveillance and targeted exposure reduction are needed to protect vulnerable population groups.