Folic acid supplementation helps reduce arsenic levels The October, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study conducted by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health which found that supplementing with folic acid can significantly lower blood levels of arsenic, a toxic element that is ingested by drinking contaminated water. Chronic exposure to arsenic is estimated to affect more than 100 million individuals worldwide, and has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, skin, liver and bladder cancer, and other health conditions. In a randomized, double-blinded trial, Mailman School assistant professor of Environmental Health Sciences Mary Gamble, PhD and her associates gave 400 micrograms folic acid per day or a placebo to 130 men and women with low plasma folate levels. The subjects were part of a larger study conducted on the adverse effects of arsenic in Bangladesh, where folate deficiency is common. Total blood arsenic, as well as arsenic metabolites monomethylarsonic and dimethylarsinic acids were measured at the beginning of the trial and at twelve weeks. At the end of the treatment period, total blood arsenic was lowered by 13.62 percent in participants who received folic acid and by 2.49 percent in the placebo group. While monomethylarsonic acid was reduced by an average of just 1.24 percent among those who received the placebo, it was 22 percent lower in those who received folic acid. Blood dimethylarsinic acid did not change, however, the compound is rapidly excreted in the urine, as was shown by an increase in urinary levels at the end of the treatment period. Folic acid increases the methylation of inorganic arsenic, which enables more rapid elimination from the body. “Folic acid supplementation enhanced the detoxification of arsenic to a form that is more readily excreted in urine,” Dr Gamble explained. “Clearly the first priority should focus on mitigation efforts to lower arsenic exposure,” she noted. “But this very exciting and significant finding implies that folic acid has therapeutic potential for people who have been exposed to arsenic. 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.” Source: www.lef.org Life Extension Foundation, Posted 10/07 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.