[Determination of the bioavailability of cadmium in mushrooms in a feeding experiment with rats; relevance for man].

A pulverized mixture of Agaricus species known to accumulate cadmium, mixed 15:85 with standard rat diet, was fed to a group of growing rats. The mixture contained 3.87 micrograms Cd/g dry weight. A control group received the standard rat diet alone (0.08 microgram Cd/g). During the feeding period of 6 weeks the animals of both groups excreted about 90% of the ingested cadmium in the faeces. In comparison to the control group, the experimental group accumulated much more cadmium in liver, kidneys, and remaining carcass. While it is concluded that the bioavailability of cadmium contained in mushrooms is not less than that of cadmium contained in other feeds and foods, most mushroom species do not contain more cadmium than other vegetables. In humans the average cadmium intake from the total diet is considerably below the tolerable level. Generalized warnings against consumption of mushrooms are therefore not considered necessary.