Cadmium absorption in women fed processed edible sunflower kernels labeledwith a stable isotope of cadmium, Cd-113(1)

The apparent fractional absorption of cadmium (Cd) from sunflower kernels ( SFK) was determined in women volunteers by using kernels labeled with a sta ble isotope of Cd (Cd-113) by injecting it into the flowering head. Fourtee n women who were between the ages of 30 and 70 years, who did not use tobac co products, who were in good health, and who had been consuming a self-sel ected diet low in Cd content participated in the study. The volunteers were fed a breakfast composed primarily of cereal, milk, and fruit juice. The b reakfast also contained a portion of Cd-113-labeled SFK processed into a bu ttery spread. Each volunteer collected individual stool samples for 21 days beginning immediately after they had consumed the labeled kernels. The tot al amounts of Cd and Cd-113 excreted in each stool were determined by isoto pe dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean fecal Cd exc retion was 14.1 +/- 4.1 mug/day and mean Cd-113 absorption was 10.6 +/- 4.4 %. In agreement with previous studies, no significant (P > 0.3) correlation between Cd absorption and serum ferritin concentrations was found in women whose serum ferritin concentrations were > 25 ng/mL. These data suggest th at the availability of Cd from highly processed sunflower kernels to humans is similar to that reported for other types of food.