ABSTRACT
In this review two aspects of the interaction of metals with intestinal bacteria will be considered: the influence of essential metals on the gut microflora and the metabolism of toxic metals by the microflora. In the case of essential metals the major consideration is the differential requirements of intestinal micro-organisms for metals. Dietary supplementation with certain metals could in theory lead to alterations in the microflora, perturbing the balance of the flora and potentially leading to a change in colonization resistance. This process can be exacerbated if a potential enteric pathogen is capable of binding the essential metal, thus stimulating its growth.
