Mitigation of heavy metal effects by natural antioxidants and chelating agents

Heavy metals can enter organisms through both natural and human-made sources, primarily from industrial, mining, and agricultural activities. The current knowledge is focused on their effects on oxidative stress, cellular damage, and various diseases and metabolic disorders. Therefore, this review offers a comprehensive analysis of the role of natural antioxidants and chelating agents in reducing the impact of heavy metals on human health. It identifies 84 relevant studies that investigate how these compounds neutralize metal toxicity, focusing specifically on lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. Antioxidants, both enzymatic (such as SOD and CAT) and non-enzymatic (including vitamins C and E, as well as polyphenols), help protect cells by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses. Additionally, natural chelating agents such as glutathione, metallothioneins, and plant-derived compounds bind to free metals, facilitating their excretion and reducing their bioavailability. Therefore, diets rich in antioxidant and chelating compounds, along with pharmacological agents and nanomaterials, represent effective strategies for decreasing the burden of metals in the body. The review highlights dietary sources, phytochemicals, minerals, and synthetic agents as protective strategies, emphasizing the need for further clinical research, public policies, and sustainable practices to prevent heavy metal exposure and its associated health risks.