The toxicological analysis and safety assessment of heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, and As) in food for special medical purposes (FSMP) available in Polish pharmacies for oncological patients
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The presence of heavy metals in food products may seem an archaic concern; however, our study reveals that the risk is significant, unexpectedly in Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) for oncology patients available in Polish pharmacies. This investigation fills that gap through a detailed toxicological analysis and health risk assessment of these heavy metals in FSMP products (n = 23) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our comprehensive risk assessment involved evaluating (1) the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in both liquid and powdered FSMP formulations, (2) the amount of heavy metals ingested per serving as specified by the manufacturer, and (3) the cumulative daily and weekly intake adjusted for body weight, benchmarked against the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). While most samples were below PTWI limits, Cd levels raised concerns due to potential cumulative exposure risks, particularly for oncology patients consuming these products regularly. This study underscores the hidden dangers of heavy metal contamination in FSMP, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety. By uncovering these latent risks through meticulous toxicological assessment, our research provides crucial insights that could safeguard vulnerable populations. This study is significant due to concerns related to the complex risk assessment of FSMP for cancer patients, considering the complexity of oncological diseases and other comorbid factors, as well as the verification of available legal and regulatory acts of FSMP at the European Community level.
期刊介绍:
Food and Chemical Toxicology (FCT), an internationally renowned journal, that publishes original research articles and reviews on toxic effects, in animals and humans, of natural or synthetic chemicals occurring in the human environment with particular emphasis on food, drugs, and chemicals, including agricultural and industrial safety, and consumer product safety. Areas such as safety evaluation of novel foods and ingredients, biotechnologically-derived products, and nanomaterials are included in the scope of the journal. FCT also encourages submission of papers on inter-relationships between nutrition and toxicology and on in vitro techniques, particularly those fostering the 3 Rs.
The principal aim of the journal is to publish high impact, scholarly work and to serve as a multidisciplinary forum for research in toxicology. Papers submitted will be judged on the basis of scientific originality and contribution to the field, quality and subject matter. Studies should address at least one of the following:
-Adverse physiological/biochemical, or pathological changes induced by specific defined substances
-New techniques for assessing potential toxicity, including molecular biology
-Mechanisms underlying toxic phenomena
-Toxicological examinations of specific chemicals or consumer products, both those showing adverse effects and those demonstrating safety, that meet current standards of scientific acceptability.
Authors must clearly and briefly identify what novel toxic effect (s) or toxic mechanism (s) of the chemical are being reported and what their significance is in the abstract. Furthermore, sufficient doses should be included in order to provide information on NOAEL/LOAEL values.