Provision of folic acid for reducing arsenic toxicity in arsenic-exposed children and adults
Sajin Bae, Elena Kamynina, Heather Guetterman, Adetutu F Farinola, Marie A. Caudill, R. J. Berry, Patricia A. Cassano, Patrick J. Stover
Abstract
Arsenic is a common environmental toxin. Exposure to arsenic (particularly its inorganic form) through contaminated food and drinking water is an important public health burden worldwide, and is associated with increased risk of neurotoxicity, congenital anomalies, cancer, and adverse neurodevelopment in children. Arsenic is excreted following methylation reactions, which are mediated by folate. Provision of folate through folic acid supplements could facilitate arsenic methylation and excretion, thereby reducing arsenic toxicity.
Topics & Concepts
ArsenicMedicineArsenic toxicityEnvironmental healthCreatinePlaceboRandomized controlled trialToxicityInternal medicineChemistryAlternative medicineOrganic chemistryPathologyArsenic contamination and mitigationHeavy Metal Exposure and ToxicityFluoride Effects and Removal