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

Do you have patients with low testosterone levels or erectile dysfunction? Did you know exposure to toxic heavy metals could be the underlying cause of low testosterone and other health concerns in men? Research shows exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and other toxic metals could harm the function of the reproductive system and reduce testosterone levels.

Think you and your patients aren’t exposed to toxic heavy metals daily? Think again.

This article will review the effects of toxic metals on men’s health, common sources of toxic metals, and convenient, painless, and non-invasive home testing options. Enjoy!

Arsenic is in Most Rice – Does It Decrease Free Testosterone Levels?

Arsenic is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic metal that could be unintentionally ingested at every meal. It is naturally present in groundwater and soil. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common source of daily arsenic exposure is drinking water.¹

Many additional sources of arsenic can lurk in the 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 heavy 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 important to test yourself, your family, and your patients for exposure to arsenic at least annually.

Research studies show arsenic reduces testosterone production and testosterone levels 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 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 also 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. The authors 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 the 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 patients about testing 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 cause exposure to harmful amounts of toxic cadmium. It 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 the body cannot degrade cadmium to less toxic forms, and it is poorly excreted. Research suggests the cadmium you are exposed to today will remain in the body for approximately 20-40 years. This leads to the accumulation of cadmium, which exacerbates the dysfunction and disease caused by cadmium with 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 the body is unable 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 an article that will be posted next month (in February 2025).

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

If your patients have low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, or other health concerns, consider ordering a Toxic Metals & Elements Test Panel to determine if harmful toxic metals are affecting their vitality. Always test, don’t guess!

The painless and convenient Toxic Metals & Elements (TME) Test Panels from DiagnosTechs can be performed at home. DiagnosTechs offers six different TME Test Panels:

• Salivary Metals and Elements (SMETALS)
• Urinary Metals and Elements (UMETALS)
• Salivary and Urinary Metals and Elements Combo Panel (CMETALS)
• Timed Salivary Metals and Elements (TSMETALS)
• Timed Urinary Metals and Elements (TUMETALS)
• Timed Salivary and Urinary Metals and Elements Combo (TCMETALS)

The regular (single collection) TME Panels primarily assess baseline current exposure levels to metals and elements rather than the stored or past exposure to metals and elements. The Timed TME Panels, on the other hand, are designed to be used in conjunction with a chelating or provoking agent, which will mobilize the stored pool of metals to assess past exposure to and stored levels of metals and elements, in addition to current exposure.

Once laboratory testing reveals which toxic metals are clinical concerns, an efficient and individualized treatment protocol that includes reducing or eliminating exposure to and supporting the detoxification of the specific toxic metals can be prescribed.

To place a test order, click here. As a reminder, DiagnosTechs will drop ship test kits directly to your patients. You may select this option at the top of the order form.

Please visit our Provider Tools page for more information about choosing the right test, TME – FAQs for Providers, provocation protocols, test result interpretation, and treatment options.

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