Importance of interactions between nutrients and environmental contaminants as a factor in experimental design in toxicological research: with emphasis on selenium and ascorbic acid.

Interactions between dietary components and environmental contaminants may influence the outcome of toxicological testing. A comparison was made between the vitamin and mineral content of laboratory animal basal diets as supplied by two major feed companies. Striking differences in nutrient content of Guinea pig, rat, and primate diets, as supplied by these companies are cited. Attention is drawn to the lack of data on selenium content of these feeds. The importance of Vitamin C in regards to ameliorating toxic effects of heavy metals is discussed.