Diet, arsenic, and clinical research

Abstract

There are a number of important topics discussed in the study by Kordas et al in this volume of The Journal. As many readers know, there is growing interest in the role of dietary minerals in modifying the intestinal absorption of some environmental toxins. Perhaps most recently discussed has been the role of iron in the absorption of lead. Another environmental toxin that has recently been of great interest to pediatricians is arsenic. There is some reason to suspect that iron or zinc status could impact the absorption of arsenic. If this were so, it could have important implications for children in at-risk situations. Using samples previously obtained in a group of Mexican children, these authors have shown that neither zinc nor iron supplementation appears to alter the absorption of dietary arsenic. An important aspect of this study is the way in which it was done. These samples had been obtained in an earlier study of an unrelated problem (lead toxicity). The samples and data had been carefully archived, however, and proved suitable for this other purpose. Designing and running another trial would have been costly and cumbersome. The availability of well-characterized material collected for another purpose was able to provide the answer. Article page 205 ▶ Iron and Zinc Supplementation Does Not Impact Urinary Arsenic Excretion in Mexican School ChildrenThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 185PreviewTo examine the role of iron and zinc in arsenic excretion and metabolism in children. Full-Text PDF