Contaminating Elements in Mineral Supplements and their Potential Toxicity: a Review

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Abstract
Some 14 mineral elements are supplied as dietary supplements to domestic animals in various feeding situations. These are obtained primarily from ores and industrial processes and few are supplied as pure compounds. Some of the “contaminating” elements that occur with the desired elements may have a positive value. Others may be potentially toxic. Information is limited on the levels of toxic elements present in supplemental mineral sources with most of the available data concerning lead and arsenic. There are limited data on the concentration of elements such as cadmium, aluminum, tin and mercury. Information is presented to assist in the evaluation of potential injury to animals which may ingest arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and vanadium. An estimation of the potential risk involved with secondary consumption of edible animal products is also presented where applicable. Additional information which will define more completely the total composition of the mineral supplements and the tolerance of animals to the so-called contaminating elements, will be important in maintaining both a safe and an adequate mineral supplementation program for domestic animals.

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