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Gastric response to acute copper exposure.
Magdalena Araya1, Claudia Peña, Fernando Pizarro
1Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile, Casilla 138-11, Macul, Santiago, Chile. maraya@uec.inta.uchile.cl
The Science of the Total Environment
|February 28, 2003
Summary
Acute copper exposure, even at low levels, can cause nausea and delay gastric emptying. This study shows copper in drinking water significantly alters early gastric response in healthy adults.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Acute copper exposure can lead to nausea and changes in gastric permeability.
- Understanding the physiological effects of copper in drinking water is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of acute copper sulfate ingestion on gastric emptying in healthy volunteers.
- To assess the impact of a specific copper concentration (10 mg/l) on gastric response.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 30 healthy volunteers.
- Ultrasonography was used to monitor gastric antral area as an indirect measure of gastric emptying over 120 minutes.
- Statistical analysis using linear mixed-effects models was employed.
Main Results:
- Ingestion of 10 mg/l copper sulfate solution induced nausea in 9 subjects.
- Copper exposure significantly delayed the decrease in antral area during the first 60 minutes post-ingestion, indicating a slower gastric emptying.
- No significant differences were observed based on gender or the presence of nausea.
Conclusions:
- Acute exposure to copper in drinking water at 10 mg/l alters the initial phase of gastric emptying.
- Copper's effect on gastric motility warrants further investigation, especially concerning potential health implications of contaminated water.