Effect of pork consumption on renal and hematochemical indices in workers occupationally exposed to unclean environments

Abstract

This study was conducted to reveal the effects of pork consumption on the renal and hematochemical indices of workers occupationally exposed to an unclean environment for 6 weeks. Forty-five free-living volunteers were recruited from the workers employed in a car-engine part factory and a leather dyeing company in the Gyeonggi area. Volunteers were to submit a subject consent form prior to the study. They were asked to complete a questionnaire on dietary habits, and blood and urine samples were collected before and after the pork consumption trial. Pork dishes were fed twice weekly (150 g per meal) as part of lunch or dinner at the work place. Urine N-Acetyl-beta-D-glucosamidase (NAG) levels were reduced after the trial, but total-cholesterol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels did not change. However, triglyceride levels did increase significantly (p<0.005). The Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations in serum tended to decrease, though without statistical significance. In conclusion, the regular consumption of pork may be beneficial for renal functions, however further research in this area is needed.