THE ROLE OF SULFUR-CONTAINING AMINO ACIDS IN THE PREVENTIVE NUTRITION OF WORKERS IN CONTACT WITH CHROMIUM

In the world, a large number of workers are exposed to fumes, mists and dusts containing Chromium and its compounds. One of the ways to prevent chromium intoxication is the enrichment of food rations with substances that have antioxidant and complexing ability. Attention is focused on the recommendations on the use of sulfur-containing amino acids and sulfur-rich proteins in the composition of food products for the prevention of intoxication in workers who come into contact with chromium in production. The mechanism of reduction of hexavalent chromium compounds by cysteine was considered. It has been shown that the process of reduction of chromates with cysteine is accompanied by the oxidation of cysteine to cystine and subsequent complexation with trivalent chromium. The structure of chromium III cystinate was confirmed by IR and electron spectroscopy and elemental analysis. It has been established that in the formed chelate complex [Cr(SNO2C3H6)6Cr], chromium (III) has a bond with cystine through the amino and carboxyl groups, LD50 is 2100 mg/kg and is less toxic than inorganic chromium (III) salts. The article analyzes protein raw materials rich in cysteine, which can be recommended to satisfy the daily requirement of cysteine, or to reduce chromium intoxication of workers working in a work area with a high content of chromium salts.