Ameliorative Effects of Zinc and Vitamin E on Physiological Changes after Exposure to Heavy Metal

Abstract

Heavy metals have been known to have great deteriorative impacts on the physiology of the body, altering the normal functioning of the body. These impacts cut across the various systems of the body including cardiopulmonary, endocrine, neurological, gastrointestinal, hematological, etc. However, not every exposure will leave such effects in the aftermath. The level of exposure to one heavy metal that is considered harmful may not be with another metal. This chapter examines the various levels of exposure that may be considered unhealthy to the human body, and the mechanisms by which the metals exert their impacts, with the aim of educating readers on how to keep exposure below such threshold level. This chapter also explains that not all heavy metals are considered unhealthy as there are essential heavy metals that may have some beneficial effects to the physiology of the human system.