Alessia Catalano

Heavy metals (HMs) are natural elements present in the Earth’s crust, characterised by a high atomic mass and a density more than five times higher than water. Despite their origin from natural sources, extensive usage and processing of raw materials and their presence as silent poisons in our daily products and diets have drastically altered their biochemical balance, making them a threat to the environment and human health. Particularly, the food chain polluted with toxic metals represents a crucial route of human exposure. Therefore, the impact of HMs on human health has become a matter of concern because of the severe chronic effects induced by their excessive levels in the human body. Chelation therapy is an approved valid treatment for HM poisoning; however, despite the efficacy demonstrated by chelating agents, various dramatic side effects may occur. Numerous data demonstrate that dietary components and phytoantioxidants play a significant role in preventing or reducing the damage induced by HMs. This review summarises the role of various phytochemicals, plant and herbal extracts or probiotics in promoting human health by mitigating the toxic effects of different HMs.