Vitamin A ameliorates toxic effects of cadmium in domestic fowl

In the present study, effects of cadmium chloride on certain parameters of the domestic fowl such as body weight, serum cholesterol, GSI (Gonado somatic index) and HSI (Hepato somatic index) have been investigated with a view to find out the protective role of vitamin A in attenuating the heavy metal toxicity. It has been found that vitamin A significantly ameliorates the toxic effects of cadmium chloride in Gallus domesticus with regard to body weight, cholesterol and gonado somatic index, which significantly decreased (P<0.001) in cadmium chloride treated group, no significant changes were noted in the HSI, while body weight, serum cholesterol and GSI significantly decreased after cadmium chloride administration. Therefore, the present study suggests that vitamin A can counteract some of the toxicological effects of cadmium via inhibition of its uptake and toxic deposition thereof. The vitamin A probably acts as a chelating agent for nullifying the toxic effects of cadmium.