Arsenic in our FoodDo we have reason to worry?

Rachel J. H. Mathisen, Dietetic Intern

Arsenic is a poison and aknown carcinogen

Arsenic- The Perfect Poison

In the middle ages it was known as the “King of Poisons” or the “Poison of Kings”*OdorlessTastelessCouldn’t be detected until the 19th century

* Hughes, MF, et al

Arsenic- History* Industrial uses in the 19th century:

Pigment (Paris Green)- used in wallpaper, fabric, toys and candles No longer used as a pigment, but is still used in the

manufacturing of glass & semiconductors Insecticides

Paris Green was used for mosquito control (1867-1900) Lead arsenate sprayed on cherry & apple orchards until

1960s, but was not officially banned until 1988. Health problems in orchard workers including lung and

skin cancers Copper Smelting

* Hughes, MF, et al

Arsenic – History*Arsenic as medicine?

Hippocrates may have treated ulcers and abscesses with a arsenic based ointment.

Fowler’s solution (1% potassium arsenite) in 18th century used to treat malaria, syphilis, eczema, asthma

Salvarsan (arsenic based) used in early 20th century to treat syphilis. It was considered the “magic bullet.”

Arsenic trioxide – in use today as an effective chemotherapy agent for treatment of promyelocytic leukemia * Hughes, MF, et al

Arsenic- Today

Despite banning the use of lead arsenate pesticides, the United States still uses more arsenic than any other country. Pesticides containing organic arsenic

(considered less carcinogenic) are still permitted (ie on cotton); EPA will stop use on golf courses, sod farms by 2013.*

Arsenic is permitted in animal feed to increase growth and to prevent disease**

Poultry excrement (high arsenic concentration) is still used to make fertilizers used on crops.**

*Hughes, et al**Consumer Reports: Arsenic in your food.

Health effects of chronic arsenic exposure

Skin changes (hard patches on palms & soles)Skin cancerCancers of lung, bladder & kidney – it is

classified as a Group 1 carcinogenBlood vessel diseases (severe form causes

gangrene)Diabetes (?)Hypertension (?)

Arsenic

Forms of ArsenicArsenobetaine (organic arsenic cpd) in

seafood is considered nontoxicDimethylarsenic (DMA) an organic form

is less toxic than organic arsenic and is main form in US rice

Inorganic arsenic types III and V are very toxic and are health risks

Jackson, et al. Pure Appl Chem (2012). 84(2): 215-223.

Sources of Arsenic Naturally occurring arsenic in soil, rocks, and water

(relatively small amounts) Past use of arsenic based insecticides inorganic (most

toxic) forms and organic forms Drinking water from water sources with ‘natural” sources

of arsenic leached from soil. (well water) Well water in some parts of the U. S. have significantly high

levels Health problems in India have resulted in legislation of arsenic

levels in drinking water 0.01 mg/L (10 μg/L) of water WHO and US EPA

Food – vegetables, fruits, and rice are the top three food sources

Arsenic in our food?

Rice, rice products, and fruit/fruit juices have recently been implicated as significant sources of arsenic.*

Is there reason to be concerned? Or is this just media hype?

* Consumer Reports: Arsenic in your food. (2012).

Not All Rice(or arsenic) is Created Equal

Rice, unlike most grains, can readily take up arsenic via its root system (grown in water)

Amount absorbed depends upon- The cultivar of rice- The soil, water it is grown in

Forms of Arsenic Arsenobetaine (organic arsenic cpd.) in seafood is nontoxic Dimethylarsenic (DMA) an organic form is less toxic than

organic arsenic and is main form in US rice Inorganic arsenic types III and V are very toxic and are health

risks Jackson, et al. Pure Appl Chem 2012; 84(2): 215-223.

Arsenic in Rice*

U.S. rice usually has more of the less toxic form of arsenic (dimethylarsinic acid- organic)

Rice grown in South-central United States has a higher average total arsenic concentration than rice grown in California

Studies have shown that the percentage of inorganic Arsenic in rice samples varies considerably from a low of 27% to a high of 86%

Eating 0.56 cup of cooked rice predicted urinary total arsenic excretion comparable to drinking 1L of water at EPA max level.

*Gilbert-Diamond, D., et al (2011).

Arsenic in Rice: What about our Infants and Toddlers?

2009 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report:

Young children and infants are exposed to approx. 2 to 3 times as much inorganic arsenic as adults.

Arsenic in Baby Rice Cereal

Rice-based cereals are a significant source of arsenic.

Meharg, et al concluded that a 20 lb 1yo baby eating a single 20g serving of rice cereal would ingest 0.21 μg kg-1d-1 of arsenic, which is more than an adult drinking water with 10 ppb arsenic (0.17 μg kg-1 d-1)

Arsenic Intake in Infancy

Mennella et al (2006) found in a survey of infant and feeding practices (FITS study) found that > 90% of American infants were consuming grain products between the ages of 6 and 11 months and about 74% consumed infant cereals on any given day.

Infant rice cereal is usually the first cereal recommended by health professionals Infants with GE reflux may have formula

thickened with rice cereal within the first few weeks of life.

Arsenic in Infant Rice Cereals*

Cereal Inorganic Arsenic (μg/serving)

Beech-Nut Homestyle Rice 0.8 to 1.0

Earth’s Best Organic Whole Grain Rice

1.7 to 2.7

Gerber Rice 1.6

Gerber SmartNourish Organic Brown Rice

0.8 to 1.3

* From table published in : Arsenic in your food: A Consumer Reports investigation. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm#chart

Arsenic in Baby FoodsRice-fortified baby foods were determined in a

New Hampshire study to have significantly higher total arsenic concentrations than non-rice based baby foods. A 10 kg infant eating 3 jars of the rice-fortified

Stage 2/3 baby foods tested, would “be exposed to 0.39 μg arsenic per kg body mass per day, more than twice the 0.17 μg kg-1d-1 safe adult arsenic exposure level.” Jackson, et al (2012a)

Most of the arsenic is in the inorganic form Jackson, et al (2012a).

Arsenic in Baby Foods

Infant fruit and vegetable purees are also a source of arsenic.Total arsenic concentration per serving for

3 brands of purees ranged from 0.03 to 2.3 μg which is relatively low, but most of the arsenic is in the inorganic form

7 month old eating 1.5 jars/day would “be exposed to ≈0.05 μg arsenic per kg body mass, or < 1/3 of the ‘safe’ adult level derived from drinking water.” Jackson, et al (2012a).

Arsenic in Juice

Consumer Reports tested several brands of apple juices and grape juices for arsenic: 5 samples of apple juice & 4 samples of grape

juice exceeded federal standards for arsenic in drinking water

Consumer Reports (2012). Arsenic in your juice.

Arsenic in Infant Formula

In a study by Jackson, et al Milk-based formulas had much lower arsenic

concentrations (P=0.003) compared to nondairy formulas.

Arsenic speciation was almost entirely inorganic in infant formula.

Thus a 6.2 kg infant (3mo old) consuming 360 ml/day of formula would receive 0.036 to 0.21 ug arsenic/kg body mass/day. (An adult drinking 1 L of water at the EPA limit would take in 0.17 ug/d).

Jackson, et al (2012a). Pure Appl Chem 2012; 84 (2): 215-224.

Jackson, et al (2012b)

Tested products containing Organic Brown Rice Syrup (OBRS) Many contained considerable amounts of both

inorganic and organic arsenic An “organic” toddler formula with OBRS as its

first ingredient had total arsenic concentrations up to 6 times the EPA’s limit in drinking water.

Jackson, et al (2012b)

Organic Brown Rice Syrup (OBRS) 3 OBRS brands- 4 samples total Total arsenic ranged from 90 to 400 ng/g with

inorganic arsenic comprising between 50% to 90% of the total arsenic

If added to products in the dried form, arsenic concentrations increase (1.15 times).

Arsenic in Toddler Formulas

Two “organic” toddler formulas containing OBRS were analyzed Dairy based formula (reconstituted)

8-9 μg/L inorganic arsenic Soy based formula

˷ 15-25 μg/L inorganic arsenic US Standard for drinking water

10 μg/L

Jackson, et al (2012b)

Potential Impact of Arsenic in baby foods

The exposure to arsenic is high especially when compared to the small body size of infants and toddlers

“Children under 3 years are the most exposed to inorganic arsenic.” EFSA (2009)

Arsenic may: Negatively impact neurological development Long-term (whole life) exposure to arsenic is

associated with: Increased cancer risks, increased risk of neurological

problems

EFSA (2009)

Arsenic and Infants

Inorganic arsenic is almost completely absorbed in the human GI tract and > 70% of organic arsenic can be absorbed

Absorbed arsenic is transported to most organs and tissues

It readily crosses the placenta High maternal levels associated with

Decreased birth weights Developmental delays

Gluten Free Diets

Rice-based products are a mainstay for those people on gluten free diets; thus, arsenic exposure in this population is likely to be high.

Arsenic in Our Food

In a study of data from NHANES, Xue, et al concluded that the American population was exposed to more total and inorganic arsenic from certain foods than from drinking water YET the U.S. currently has no standards

for arsenic levels in food.

Arsenic in Our Food

China has laws regulating the maximum amount of arsenic in food.

Should we? Should we be concerned?

Arsenic in Rice ProductsBased on info from Consumer Reports

members of Congress are planning to introduce legislation limiting arsenic levels in rice and rice based foods.

“R.I.C.E. Act”

http://news.consumerreports.org/health/2012/09/members-of-congress-introducing-bill-to-limit-arsenic-in-rice-products.html

What we can do

Push for legislationCook rice in large volumes of water (as per

pasta).Recommend that clients drinking well water

have it tested for arsenicRecommend a varied grain diet especially in

infants and young children Consider increasing oat , barley, and wheat

based cereals for infants and toddlers and decreasing reliance on rice based products.

References Consumer Reports (2012). Arsenic in your food.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/11/arsenic-in-your-food/index.htm

Consumer Reports (2012). Arsenic in your juice. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/consumer-reports-magazine-january-2012/arsenic-in-

Consumer Reports (2012). Members of congress introducing bill to limit arsenic in rice products. http://news.consumerreports.org/health/2012/09/members-of-congress-introducing-bill-to-l

Davis M A, Mackenzie TA, Cottingham KL, Gilbert-Diamond D, Punshon T, Karagas MR (2012). Rice consumption and urinary arsenic concentrations in U.S . children. Environ Health Perspect 120(10): 1418-1424.

European Food Safety Authority. (2009). EFSA panal on contaminants in the food chain (CONTAM): Scientific opinion on arsenic in food. ESFA J 7(10):60-71. Available: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/1351.htm

Gilbert-Diamond, D, Cottingham, KL, Gruber, JF, Punshon, T, Savarath, V, Gandofi, AJ, Baker ER, Jackon BP (2011). Rice consumption contributes to arsenic exposure in US women. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108(51):20656-60.

Gruber JF, Karagas MR, Gilbert-Diamond D, Bagley PJ, Zens MS, Sayarath V, Punshon T, Morris JS, Cottingham KL (2012). Associations between toenail arsenic concentration and dietary factors in a New Hampshire population. Nutrition Journal 11:45. http://www.nutritionj.com/content/11/1/45

ReferencesHughes MF, Beck BD, Chen Y, Lewis AS, Thomas DJ. (2011). Arsenic exposure and toxicology: a historical perspective. Toxicol Sci 123 (2): 305-332. doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr184

Jackson, BP, Taylor, VF, Punshon, T, Cottingham, KL (2012a). Arsenic concentration and speciation in infant formulas and first foods. Pure Appl Chem 84(2):215-223.

Jackson, RP, Taylor, VF, Karagas, MR, Punshon, T, Cottingham, KL (2012b). Arsenic, organic foods, and brown rice syrup. Environ Health Perspect 120(5):623-6.

Meharg AA, Sun G, Williams PN, Adomako E, Deacon C, Zhu Y-G, Feldman J, Raab A. (2008). Inorganic arsenic levels in baby rice are of concern

Xue J, Zartarian V, Wang S-W, Liu SV, Georgopoulos P (2010). Probabilistic modeling of dietary arsenic exposure and dose evaluation with 2003-2004 NHANES data. Environ Health Perspect 118 (3): 345-350.

Thank you!

Rachel Mathisen rmathise@montevallo.edu

Additional Info

OBRS

Other products that may be sweetened with OBRS Energy Bars Cereals Cereal Bars High Energy Athletic Performance products

Energy Shot Blocks (gels)

Jackson, et al (2012b) tested energy shot blocks containing OBRS 1st product

84 + 3 ng/g (n=3) total Arsenic and 100% of arsenic was inorganic.

2nd & 3rd products were comparable to each other 171 + 3.6 ng/g (n=6) with 53% as inorganic

arsenic

High Energy Shot Blocks

At manufacturer’s recommended intake levels (2 servings/hour during exercise) an athlete in a two hour high

intensity workout would consume about 10 μg inorganic arsenic/day

from this source alone* * Jackson, et al (2012b)