Effects of Toxic Heavy Metals on Men’s Health & Testosterone Levels

June is Men’s Health Month. Men, did you know daily exposure to toxic heavy metals might be affecting your health and hormone levels?

Research shows exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and other toxic metals could harm the function of your reproductive system and potentially reduce your testosterone levels.

Think you aren’t exposed to toxic metals on a regular basis? Think again.

This blog post will discuss the effects of toxic metals on men’s health, common sources of toxic metals, and non-invasive testing options that you can do at home.

Arsenic is in Most Rice – Is It Lowering Your Testosterone Level?

Arsenic is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic metal that you could unintentionally ingest at every meal. Arsenic is naturally present in groundwater and soil. The most common source of regular exposure is drinking water, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).¹

You might find many other potential sources of arsenic lurking in your kitchen. Commonly eaten foods, including grains, beef, seafood, shellfish, poultry, and vegetables, can have high arsenic levels.¹ Rice naturally absorbs ten times more arsenic than other grains, so rice and rice-based products are noteworthy sources of arsenic exposure.²

Laboratory testing of toxic metals in fruit juice suggests fruit juice could also be a significant source of arsenic and other toxic metals.³ Since arsenic is undetectable without laboratory testing, it is very important to test yourself and your family for exposure to arsenic at least once a year. TEST - DON’T GUESS!

Research studies show exposure to arsenic can reduce testosterone production and testosterone levels. Researchers note arsenic reduces testosterone by affecting gene expression, mitochondrial health, hormone receptor levels, and enzymatic activity.⁴

In addition to lowering testosterone levels, preclinical and clinical research studies suggest chronic arsenic exposure could be a significant cause of infertility, low sperm quality, and erectile dysfunction.^4,5

Cadmium is a Toxic Heavy Metal and Endocrine Disruptor That Causes Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that commonly affects men over 40. Research data shows the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men less than 40 years of age is 1–10%, but it increases to 20–40% of men aged 60–69 years and 50-100% of those over 70.⁶

Cadmium is one of the top five most hazardous and toxic substances, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).⁷

Cadmium has many harmful effects on hormone levels and hormonal activity in your body because it mimics estrogen.⁸ Cadmium is a metalloestrogen, a metallohormone, and a significant endocrine disruptor.^8,9

There is now increasing concern that cadmium may also mimic androgens or affect their levels, including testosterone.¹⁰ There is evidence cadmium binds to the receptor that interacts with testosterone - the androgen receptor. When cadmium binds to the androgen receptor, it can affect gene expression and cell growth and block the effects of testosterone.¹⁰

Research suggests toxic cadmium acts directly on the reproductive organs, the adrenal glands, and on the systems responsible for metabolizing steroid hormones. Steroid hormones include testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and DHEA.¹¹

One animal study demonstrated cadmium has an adverse effect on sexual function in males via a reduction in the circulating level of testosterone and the failure of the erectile mechanisms. Scientists suggest cadmium could facilitate the production of a certain inflammatory prostaglandin that is known to cause vasoconstriction of the blood vessels involved in erectile function and suppress testosterone synthesis. Testicular weight also decreased after exposure to cadmium in this study.¹¹

Another animal study showed exposure to cadmium rapidly alters sexual, liver, and adrenal function, with erectile dysfunction occurring even at the lowest dose of cadmium.¹²

In humans, the statistical analysis of 3681 men with erectile dysfunction confirmed an association between higher cadmium levels and erectile dysfunction. The authors of the study concluded that heavy metal exposure is closely correlated with the development of erectile dysfunction, and a high blood cadmium level is an independent risk factor for the development of erectile dysfunction.¹³

While there are many potential underlying causes of erectile dysfunction, including psychological, since there is an association between high levels of cadmium (and other toxic metals) and erectile dysfunction, consider speaking with your doctor about testing your heavy metal levels soon.

Where is Cadmium Found?

Cadmium is found in water, soil, tobacco, some foods, and in certain work environments. Tobacco leaves absorb high amounts of cadmium from the soil, so smoking and chewing tobacco can expose you to harmful amounts of toxic cadmium. Cadmium can also be present in many dietary staples, including potatoes, grains, and drinking water.¹⁰

Chocolate has been in the news in the last couple of years because laboratory testing shows dark chocolate can be a significant source of cadmium. The latest data show one-third of all chocolate products have unsafe levels of toxic heavy metals.¹⁴

Occupational exposure may also occur. Cadmium is used to produce plastics, pigments, solders, and nickel-cadmium batteries.¹⁵

More Toxic Effects of Cadmium on Men’s Health

Cadmium not only affects sexual health and hormone levels but also many other organs and body systems. Cadmium accumulation in organs and tissues can displace essential minerals, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and selenium, leading to systemic metabolic disruption and dysfunction.⁷

Cadmium poses significant health risks over time because your body is not able to degrade cadmium to less toxic forms, and it is poorly excreted. The cadmium you are exposed to today will remain in your body for approximately 20-40 years. This leads to the accumulation of cadmium in your body, which exacerbates the dysfunction and disease caused by cadmium as you age.⁷

The main sites of cadmium accumulation are the kidneys, bones, liver, and lungs. But, the toxic effects of cadmium can affect the testes, prostate, heart, nervous system, immune system, and more. The specific health conditions that are associated with cadmium toxicity include severely impaired kidney function, anosmia (lack of smell), osteomalacia, osteoporosis, bone fractures, Itai-Itai disease, emphysema, testicular dysfunction, chronic rhinitis, high blood pressure, liver disorders, and several cardiovascular diseases.⁷

Cadmium is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Exposure to cadmium is associated with the development of urinary bladder, prostate, pancreas, nasopharynx, breast, and lung cancers.¹⁶

Moreover, the latest research demonstrates a causative link between cadmium exposure and the development of prediabetes, diabetes, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and abnormal cholesterol levels via its’ harmful effects on the pancreas-liver-axis.⁷ Future research will likely reveal other health concerns that are linked to toxic cadmium.

The Effects of Other Toxic Heavy Metals on Male Hormones and Men’s Health

Research suggests exposure to lead and aluminum could also reduce testosterone production. Moreover, aluminum exposure could lower the number of androgen receptors in the testes, so the testosterone that is produced and circulating in your body would be less able to stimulate optimal sperm production and reproductive function.¹¹

Evidence shows exposure to mercury harms sperm production and fertility by inducing sperm DNA damage and abnormal sperm morphology and motility.^17,18 Exposure to arsenic, barium, cadmium, and lead can also diminish sperm quality.¹⁸

Exposure to lead, aluminum, and arsenic is associated with the development of erectile dysfunction.^11,19 Exposure to arsenic, thallium, and mercury is associated with hair loss.²⁰ Toxic metals are also a potential underlying cause of high blood pressure, which will be discussed in our NEXT blog post.

The Best Testosterone Booster Could Be the Avoidance of Toxic Heavy Metals!

If you have low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, or other health concerns, consider asking your doctor for a toxic metals test to determine if harmful toxic metals are affecting your vitality. Test, don’t guess!

There are many heavy metal testing options available, including those that can be performed in the comfort of your home.

InterPlexus Supplements that Support Optimal Testosterone Production and the Detoxification (Detox) of Heavy Metals*

B-KalmPlexus offers B vitamins, magnesium, Ashwagandha, and phosphatidylserine to support optimal mitochondrial function, hormone production, and detoxification of toxic metals.*

Adapt is a physician-formulated blend that includes Ashwagandha, zinc, and B vitamins to support the detoxification of toxic metals and other endocrine disruptors while promoting optimal testosterone levels.*

Flavo PlexC is a potent blend of antioxidants that contains vitamin C, bioflavonoids, Ashwagandha, and magnesium to support cellular health, hormone balance, and the detoxification of toxic metals.*

Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have underlying health conditions.

References:

1. Rachamalla M, Chinthada J, Kushwaha S, et al. Contemporary Comprehensive Review on Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity and Mechanisms of Phytonutrient Intervention. Toxics. 2022;10(12):744. doi:10.3390/toxics10120744
2. Palmer MJG, Parbuoni KA, Morgan JA. Pediatric Practitioner Knowledge of Arsenic in Baby Food. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther. 2022;27(7):632-635. doi:10.5863/1551-6776-27.7.632
3. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. FDA Issues Final Guidance to Industry on Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Apple juice. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. June 1, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-issues-final-guidance-industry-action-level-inorganic-arsenic-apple-juice.
4. Zeng Q, Yi H, Huang L, et al. Reduced testosterone and Ddx3y expression caused by long-term exposure to arsenic and its effect on spermatogenesis in mice. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2018;63:84-91. doi:10.1016/j.etap.2018.08.012
5. Kim YJ, Kim JM. Arsenic Toxicity in Male Reproduction and Development. Dev Reprod. 2015;19(4):167-180. doi:10.12717/DR.2015.19.4.167
6. Liu RJ, Li SY, Xu ZP, et al. Dietary metal intake and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in US men: Results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004. Front Nutr. 2022;9:974443. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.974443
7. Moroni-González D, Sarmiento-Ortega VE, Diaz A, et al. Pancreas-Liver-Adipose Axis: Target of Environmental Cadmium Exposure Linked to Metabolic Diseases. Toxics. 2023;11(3):223. doi:10.3390/toxics11030223
8. Fittipaldi S, Bimonte VM, Soricelli A, et al. Cadmium exposure alters steroid receptors and proinflammatory cytokine levels in endothelial cells in vitro: a potential mechanism of endocrine disruptor atherogenic effect [published correction appears in J Endocrinol Invest. 2018 Dec 19;:]. J Endocrinol Invest. 2019;42(6):727-739. doi:10.1007/s40618-018-0982-1
9. Kluxen FM, Diel P, Höfer N, et al. The metallohormone cadmium modulates AhR-associated gene expression in the small intestine of rats similar to ethinyl-estradiol. Arch Toxicol. 2013;87(4):633-643. doi:10.1007/s00204-012-0971-7
10. Bimonte VM, Besharat ZM, Antonioni A, et al. The endocrine disruptor cadmium: a new player in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases. J Endocrinol Invest. 2021;44(7):1363-1377. doi:10.1007/s40618-021-01502-x
11. Senbel AM, Saad EI, Taha SS, Mohamed HF. Different mechanisms for lead acetate, aluminum and cadmium sulfate in rat corpus cavernosum. Toxicology. 2016;340:27-33. doi:10.1016/j.tox.2015.12.004
12. Clark JT, Jimenez B, Evans SL, et al. Cadmium-induced sexual dysfunction does not involve increased hepatic metabolism of testosterone nor increased circulating levels of corticosterone. Physiol Behav. 1994;56(5):975-981. doi:10.1016/0031-9384(94)90332-8
13. Liu C, Mao W, You Z, et al. Associations between exposure to different heavy metals and self-reported erectile dysfunction: a population-based study using data from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022;29(49):73946-73956. doi:10.1007/s11356-022-20910-x
14. Loria K. A Third of Chocolate Products Are High in Heavy Metals, CR’s Tests Find. Consumer Reports. October 25, 2023. Accessed May 3, 2024. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/a-third-of-chocolate-products-are-high-in-heavy-metals-a4844566398/.
15. Aramjoo H, Arab-Zozani M, Feyzi A, et al. The association between environmental cadmium exposure, blood pressure, and hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022;29(24):35682-35706. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-17777-9
16. Genchi G, Sinicropi MS, Lauria G, et al. The Effects of Cadmium Toxicity. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(11):3782. doi:10.3390/ijerph17113782
17. Henriques MC, Loureiro S, Fardilha M, Herdeiro MT. Exposure to mercury and human reproductive health: A systematic review. Reprod Toxicol. 2019;85:93-103. doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.02.012
18. Chao HH, Zhang Y, Dong PY, et al. Comprehensive review on the positive and negative effects of various important regulators on male spermatogenesis and fertility. Front Nutr. 2023;9:1063510. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1063510
19. Hsieh FI, Hwang TS, Hsieh YC, et al. Risk of erectile dysfunction induced by arsenic exposure through well water consumption in Taiwan. Environ Health Perspect. 2008;116(4):532-536. doi:10.1289/ehp.10930
20. Yu V, Juhász M, Chiang A, Atanaskova Mesinkovska N. Alopecia and Associated Toxic Agents: A Systematic Review. Skin Appendage Disord. 2018;4(4):245-260. doi:10.1159/000485749