Cadmium absorption in women fed processed edible sunflower kernels labeled with a stable isotope of cadmium, (113)Cd.

The apparent fractional absorption of cadmium (Cd) from sunflower kernels (SFK) was determined in women volunteers by using kernels labeled with a stable isotope of Cd ((113)Cd) by injecting it into the flowering head. Fourteen women who were between the ages of 30 and 70 years, who did not use tobacco products, who were in good health, and who had been consuming a self-selected diet low in Cd content participated in the study. The volunteers were fed a breakfast composed primarily of cereal, milk, and fruit juice. The breakfast also contained a portion of (113)Cd-labeled SFK processed into a buttery spread. Each volunteer collected individual stool samples for 21 days beginning immediately after they had consumed the labeled kernels. The total amounts of Cd and (113)Cd excreted in each stool were determined by isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean fecal Cd excretion was 14.1+/-4.1 microg/day and mean (113)Cd 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 that the availability of Cd from highly processed sunflower kernels to humans is similar to that reported for other types of food. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.