Heavy metal toxicity and the antioxidant effect of vitamin C.

Cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) are reported to be heavy metals that cause haematological disturbances and immunological effects. This study was conducted to determine the haematological toxicity of Cd, Hg and their combination, and, most importantly, to assess the protective role of the antioxidant vitamin C by analysing changes in haematological parameters. To this end, rats were divided into groups. In addition to the control group, which received only distilled water, some groups were exposed to heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Cd+Hg), whilst others, in addition to the metals, received a daily dose of vitamin C. After 28 days of exposure, an analysis of haematological parameters was carried out. The results of this study show a significant decrease (P