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Antimony

Also known as: Antimony, Sb, Stibium

Overview

Antimony (Sb) is a naturally occurring metalloid found in the earth's crust, often extracted from ores like stibnite (Sb2S3). While it has various industrial applications, including flame retardants and alloys, it is primarily known for its toxicity and potential health risks. In medicine, pentavalent antimonials are used to treat leishmaniasis. Research on antimony mainly focuses on its environmental and occupational health impacts rather than its use as a dietary supplement. Evidence regarding antimony's health effects comes from environmental and occupational studies, not controlled dietary supplement trials. Due to its toxicity, antimony is not recommended for dietary supplementation.

Benefits

There is limited evidence supporting the use of antimony as a dietary supplement for health benefits. Its primary medical use is in the form of pentavalent antimonials for treating leishmaniasis, where it has shown efficacy when combined with other treatments. However, this does not translate to general health benefits or supplementation. Studies primarily focus on the risks associated with antimony exposure rather than any potential benefits from its ingestion.

How it works

Antimony's biological effects are primarily related to its toxicity, which can induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Exposure is associated with cardiovascular risks, possibly through vascular inflammation and oxidative stress. Antimony can be absorbed through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, but its bioavailability varies depending on the form and exposure route. The exact molecular targets of antimony are not well-defined in the context of supplementation.

Side effects

Antimony is considered toxic and is not recommended for use as a dietary supplement. Exposure can lead to gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. Severe exposure may cause cardiac effects, kidney damage, and neurological symptoms. Due to its toxicity, antimony should be avoided in all populations. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions should especially avoid exposure. There is limited data on interactions with other supplements or medications, but given its toxicity, caution is advised.

Dosage

There are no established safe dosing guidelines for antimony as a dietary supplement due to its toxicity. Any ingestion of antimony carries potential health risks, and there is no safe threshold established for supplementation purposes.

FAQs

Is antimony safe for use as a dietary supplement?

No, antimony is not safe for use as a dietary supplement due to its toxicity. Exposure can lead to various health issues, and there are no established safe dosing guidelines.

Are there any expected health benefits from antimony supplementation?

No, there are no expected health benefits from antimony supplementation. Research primarily focuses on the risks associated with antimony exposure rather than any potential benefits.

Is antimony beneficial for human consumption?

No, antimony is not beneficial or safe for human consumption. It is sometimes confused with other trace elements, but it is not beneficial and poses health risks.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10720945/ – A cohort study with 19,394 participants suggests a potential link between antimony exposure and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The study highlights the risks associated with environmental exposure to antimony but does not address dietary supplementation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jdv.16333 – A systematic review and meta-analysis of 2668 participants indicates that combination therapies with pentavalent antimonials are effective for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. This research focuses on medical treatment rather than dietary supplementation and does not support the use of antimony for general health benefits.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/443 – This study discusses the potential health risks associated with antimony exposure, including cardiovascular and respiratory issues. The findings are based on environmental and occupational exposure studies and do not pertain to dietary supplementation.
https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/6/376 – This article discusses the health risks associated with antimony exposure, including cardiovascular and respiratory issues. The findings are based on environmental and occupational exposure studies and do not pertain to dietary supplementation.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.055654 – This article discusses the health risks associated with antimony exposure, including cardiovascular and respiratory issues. The findings are based on environmental and occupational exposure studies and do not pertain to dietary supplementation.