Dietary factors in mammalian toxicity of chemicals

In addition to the normal nutritional requirements for an adequate diet, protein intake (especially that rich in sulfur amino acids) is required for the synthesis of detoxifying enzymes; glycine and glutathione are required for conjugation reactions. Phospholipids and lipotropes are needed for the synthesis of biological membranes including those of the hepatic endoplasmic reticulum where detoxication of most xenobiotics takes place. Carbohydrates provide metabolic energy and glucuronides for conjugation. Vitamins, such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol and retinoids and required as antioxidants and for free radical removal. Iron is needed in heme protein synthesis and in the synthesis of the synthesis of the drug metabolising cytochrome P450 enzymes. Adequate nutrition is important in reducing mammalian susceptibility to the toxic effects of foreign chemicals.