A health alert re-launched by doctors
On June 2, 2025, a group of liberal medical associations sent an official letter to the government denouncing the massive exposure of the French population to cadmium, a carcinogenic heavy metal. In an interview with Sciences et Avenir, Dr Pierre Souvet, cardiologist and President of ASEF, stresses the urgent need for action in the face of this silent contamination, particularly via our diet. Of particular concern are the levels of exposure found in young children. According to theESTEBAN study, 6-10 year-olds have higher urinary cadmium concentrations than teenagers. In other words, younger children are more contaminated than 10-18 year-olds. Internationally, France is one of the countries with the highest exposure of children to cadmium, just after South Korea [1].
What is cadmium and what are its dangers?
A toxic heavy metal
Cadmium is a metal naturally present in the earth’s crust, but industrial use (batteries, pigments, fertilizers) has increased its diffusion in the environment. Humans are exposed to it mainly through food, tobacco and sometimes drinking water. This metal accumulates in the body – especially in the kidneys and liver [2] – and induces oxidative stress, i.e. it produces highly reactive compounds in the body, known as free radicals, which damage cells.
Health effects
- Definite carcinogen (group 1, IARC)
- Chronic renal toxicity (damage to renal tubules)
- Bone fracture (osteoporosis, fractures)
- Cardiovascular effects (hypertension, atherosclerosis)
- Hormonal disturbances (thyroid, reproduction)
According to recent studies, a significant proportion of the French population already exceeds the critical thresholds for cadmium exposure defined by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) [3].
How can you naturally limit your exposure to cadmium?
1. Reduce sources
- – Choose foods grown outside polluted areas
- – Limit brown rice, shellfish, offal and certain spices.
- – Stop smoking (tobacco is a major source of cadmium)
- – Check water quality (especially in agricultural and industrial areas).
2. Promote a protective diet
Certain nutrients limit intestinal absorption of cadmium or mitigate its effects:
- – Antioxidants (organic fruits, vitamin C, vitamin E, astaxanthin): protect cells from oxidative stress [5].
- – Dietary fiber: traps some metals in the intestine [6].
- – Naturally detoxifying foods or supplements (coriander, chlorella)
Chlorella: natural support for cadmium elimination
1. A supplement with well-established properties
The chlorella is a freshwater microalga particularly rich in chlorophyll, protein, fiber, antioxidants and minerals. It is used as a dietary supplement throughout the world, notably for its recognized effectiveness in eliminating heavy metals, including cadmium. See the article“Chlorella and detox: how does it work?
In Europe, where “health claims” are the most difficult to obtain, the following claim is authorized:
“Chlorella contributes to the elimination of heavy metals from the body” [7].
2. What science says about Chlorella and cadmium
- Specifically on cadmium, a Korean study demonstrated that chlorella improves cadmium excretion in urine and reduces its accumulation in the liver and kidneys in exposed rats [8].
- Studies have shown that it activates Nrf2-type antioxidant defense pathways, while inhibiting cadmium-related inflammatory mechanisms (via NF-κB) [9].
- In vitro, chlorella shows a natural capacity to capture cadmium from water or contaminated environments [10].
3. How to use it effectively
- – Usual dosage: 3 to 5 g per day, as a course of treatment or continuously.
- – Recommended form: powder (more rapidly assimilated) or tablets
- – Associated advice: Keep well hydrated, eat fiber, minerals and foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins C, E, etc.).
Precautions for use
- Product quality: choose “clean”, pure chlorella, cultivated in a controlled environment, such as chlorella grown in glass tubes
- Contraindications: hemochromatosis (excess iron), as chlorella contains a lot of bioassimilable iron.
- Possible side effects: mild digestive disorders at first (adapt dose).
- → See all Chlorella benefits and dosage
Cadmium exposure is now a major public health issue. Faced with dietary contamination that is difficult to avoid, it is essential to act on several levels: limit sources, adopt a protective diet, and use scientifically validated natural supports.
Among these, chlorella stands out as a precious ally. Its effectiveness against heavy metals, its nutritional profile and its regulatory recognition make it a complementary natural tool in any detoxification strategy.
Chlorella Bio Ultra Pure
Trial offer: Chlorella Premium (2 months) 390 tablets
64.00 €
51.99 €