AB1261 CADMIUM TOXICITY AS A PROBABLE CAUSE OF OSTEOPENIA IN ADOLESCENTS AND ITS RELATION TO BAD DIETARY HABITS

Abstract

Background: Cadmium is a naturally occurring minor element; it has been recognized as an occupational health hazard for many decades. Water and food are the main source of environmental cadmium exposure in non-smokers in most parts of the world. Cadmium accumulates gradually in the human body, where it gives rise to a number of adverse health effects and especially to kidney and bone. Several studies have addressed a possible association between long-term low-level environmental cadmium exposure and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a large and escalating public health problem. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the bone mineral status in secondary school students in Egypt and to measure cadmium level in their blood and urine and possible relationship between cadmium retention and bone mineral abnormalities as well as its consumption from some food and drinks commonly utilized by those students. Methods: Two hundred secondary school students from different secondary schools in Egypt were included in this study(100 males, and 100 females). Bone mineral status was assessed in the 200 students by Quantitative Ultrasonography (QUS) of the calcaneus using the ultrasound bone densitometer unit PEGASUS PRESTIGE, OSTEOMED, FRANCE. Students with abnormal bone mineral status (T score Results: Osteopenic group were 52 students (26%); 16 males and 36 females, their mean age was 15.46 ± 0.40 years. Cadmium level in blood and urine was significantly higher in osteopenic group. Interpretation of dietary habits in the osteopenic and control groups revealed that carbonated beverages, potatoes chips, corn snacks intake were significantly increased in osteopenic group, whereas no significant difference was detected in milk, tea, and coffee intake. T score was negatively correlated with blood cadmium, urine cadmium, as well as carbonated beverages, potatoes chips, corn snacks. Cadmium concentrations in tap water as well as in commercial mineral water were negligible, but its concentration in carbonated beverages, potatoes chips, corn snacks was relatively high. Conclusion: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are not uncommon problem among secondary school students in Egypt. Cadmium exposure, evident by high blood and urinary levels, is a risk factor for development of low BMD. Fault dietary habits, including increased carbonated beverages, potatoes chips, and corn snacks intake, contributes to the occurrence of osteopenia.