Occurrence and Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination of Meat Products With a Focus on The Associated Health Risks: A review

Abstract

Meat products are essential sources of high quality animal protein, essential amino acids, and trace elements such as copper, zinc, and iron, and vitamins such as vitamin B group. However, meat products can be exposed to contamination with several xenobiotics including heavy metals. Several species of the heavy metal group have no physiological functions and their intake via contaminated food and water is associated with several adverse health effects that might reach to even death. In this review, we will throw the light on the occurrence of heavy metals and the sources of contamination of the meat products with these chemicals. Moreover, the potential adverse health effects associated with these chemicals will be reviewed.