A new study released Monday by researchers at Columbia University
finds that folic acid supplements can dramatically lower blood
arsenic levels in individuals exposed to arsenic through
contaminated drinking water.
This toxic element, naturally present in some aquifers used for
drinking, is currently a significant public health problem in at
least 70 countries, including several developing countries and also
parts of the United States.
Chronic arsenic exposure is associated with increased risk for
skin, liver and bladder cancers, skin lesions, cardiovascular
disease, and other adverse health outcomes. The study results are
published in the October issue of the American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition.
The researchers found that treatment with 400 micrograms a day
of folic acid, the United States recommended dietary allowance,
reduced total blood arsenic levels by 14 percent in the study
population in Bangladesh.
Folate, a B vitamin found in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits,
beans, and whole grains, can also be taken as a vitamin supplement,
and in the United States, is added to flour and other fortified
foods.
"Folic acid supplementation enhanced the detoxification of
arsenic to a form that is more readily excreted in urine," said
lead author Mary Gamble.
"Although additional studies are needed, the results of this
study suggest that a simple, low-cost nutritional intervention may
help to prevent some of the long-term health consequences
associated with arsenic exposure for the many populations at risk,
" said Gamble.
(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2007)
