The potentially nephrotoxic substances in food: a review

Abstract

Food is the most unavoidable substance for contamination. It can be contaminated naturally and unintentionally by toxins. Some of these food contaminants contain nephrotoxins. For this purpose, a narrative review study was performed to identify the types of nephrotoxin found in food. This study was performed with the keywords; nephrotoxin, contamination, pollution, and food. The nephrotoxic toxins consist mainly of three categories of toxins; mycotoxins, heavy metals, and Aristolochic acids. About 70% of the selected studies investigated ochratoxin A (OTA). Evaluation of OTA contamination in baby food and infant formula should be considered. From the category of nephrotoxic heavy metals in food, we can mention nickel, lead, and cadmium. Also, from compounds with radionucleotide activity, contamination with uranium was observed. Onions and carrots can be good biomarkers for contamination of an area with Aristolochic acids. Some of the nephrotoxins occurred more than permissible levels. Given that the kidneys are a vital organ of the body, therefore, human biomonitoring of nephrotoxins is recommended in countries where food is over the permissible level.