Dietary Intake and Urinary Arsenic Excretion in Bangladesh
Author Information
Author(s): Heck Julia E., Nieves Jeri W., Chen Yu, Parvez Faruque, Brandt-Rauf Paul W., Graziano Joseph H., Slavkovich Vesna, Howe Geoffrey R., Ahsan Habibul
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Dietary factors such as protein, methionine, and cysteine would improve excretion of arsenic, resulting in increased levels of arsenic in the urine.
Conclusion
Higher intakes of protein, methionine, and cysteine are associated with increased urinary arsenic excretion.
Supporting Evidence
- Greater intakes of protein, methionine, and cysteine were associated with 10–15% greater total urinary arsenic excretion.
- Subjects with protein consumption exceeding 1.87 g/kg/day had higher urinary arsenic.
- Those with the highest quintile of methionine and cysteine consumption also experienced increased urinary arsenic.
Takeaway
Eating more protein and certain amino acids can help your body get rid of arsenic, which is bad for health.
Methodology
The study used a validated food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intakes and analyzed urinary arsenic levels in a large population-based sample.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported dietary intake and the exclusion of certain populations.
Limitations
The study excluded subjects with missing dietary intake information and those with preexisting skin lesions, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were disease-free residents of Araihazar, Bangladesh, aged 18 to 76 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website