Hair Analysis / BISMUTH response to question Hair testing....Bismuth; press link

[Guest guest]

Subject: Hair Analysis

http://www.drkaslow.com/html/hair_analysis.html

Bismuth (Bi) hair levels has not correlated bismuth exposure with hair bismuth

levels, therefore, hair bismuth levels are measured primarily for

investigational purposes. Bismuth is a non-essential element of low toxicity.

However, excessive intake of insoluble, inorganic bismuth containing compounds

can cause nephrotoxicity and encephalopathy. Absorption is dependent upon

solubility of the bismuth compound, with insoluble bismuth excreted in the feces

while soluble forms are excreted in the urine. Sources of Bismuth include:

cosmetics (lipstick), Bismuth containing medications such as ranitidine

Bismuth-citrate, antacids (Pepto Bismol), pigments used in colored glass and

ceramics, dental cement, and dry cell battery electrodes.

Symptoms of moderate bismuth toxicity include: constipation or bowel

irregularity, foul breath, blue/black gum line, and malaise. High levels of

bismuth accumulation can result in nephrotoxicity (nephrosis, proteinuria) and

neurotoxicity (tremor, memory loss, myoclonic jerks, dysarthria, and dementia).

Urine elements analysis can be used to corroborate bismuth absorption for a

period of days or a few weeks after the exposure.

Dithiol chelating/complexing agents (DMPS, DMSA) markedly reduced bismuth

levels in liver and kidneys, and increased Bismuth in urine in animal studies

(J. Lab. Clin. Med.; 119:529-537,1992). In the same study, EDTA increased brain

bismuth levels.