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Role of complex organic arsenicals in food in aggregate exposure to arsenic
Citation:
Thomas, D. AND K. Bradham. Role of complex organic arsenicals in food in aggregate exposure to arsenic. Journal of Environmental Sciences. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 49:86-96, (2016).
Impact/Purpose:
This ms describes current knowledge of the occurrence of complex organic arsenicals in food and aspects of human exposure to these compounds. The ms provides an overview of this research area and outlines opportunities for future research to assess the risk associated with ingestion of these compounds as components of the food supply.
Description:
For much of the world’s population, food is the major source of exposure to arsenic. Exposure to this non-essential metalloid at relatively low levels has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects. Thus, evaluating foods as sources of exposure to arsenic is important in assessing risk and developing strategies that protect public health. Although most emphasis has been placed on inorganic arsenic as human carcinogen and toxicant, an array of arsenic-containing species are found in plants and animals used as foods. Here, we evaluate the contribution of complex organic arsenicals (arsenosugars, arsenolipids, and trimethylarsonium compounds) that are found in foods and consider their origins, metabolism, and potential toxicity. Commonalities in the metabolism of arsenosugars and arsenolipids lead to production of dimethylated arsenicals which are known to exert many toxic effects. Evaluating foods as sources of exposure to these complex organic arsenicals and understanding the formation of reactive metabolites may be critical in assessing their contribution to aggregate exposure to arsenic.
