Understanding Arsenic in Foods and Making Informed Dietary Decisions

Eating a variety of foods is recommended in order to obtain the different nutrients they provide, but it is also encouraged as a way to limit exposure to contaminants, such as arsenic. Arsenic is one of several elements that is available in the environment and has the potential to be consumed, inhaled or touched depending on the source. There are two types of arsenic compounds that may be found in water, food, air and soil: organic and inorganic; neither can be detected by taste or smell. Health issues are attributed to inorganic arsenic, which is recognized as a carcinogen by several agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

In addition to increasing the risk of certain types of cancers, long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic can affect the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular health, the production of white and red blood cells, and nerve function. Exposure to inorganic arsenic during pregnancy can impact the birth of the baby or negatively influence an infant's health, including cognitive development.

While both forms of arsenic are found in foods and water, testing individuals for arsenic exposure will not determine whether it was derived from an organic or inorganic source. Drinking water from private wells and crops are considered to be the most notable sources of inorganic arsenic due to the potential for contact with contaminated soil and water. Elevated levels of inorganic arsenic have been detected in rice and rice products, as well as fruit juices, especially apple juice; fish and seafood can be significant sources of organic arsenic, which is the less harmful form.

In the United States, a threshold for arsenic in sources of public drinking water has been established by the EPA. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who monitors levels of total arsenic in foods and dietary supplements, updated its guidance in 2020, setting a limit for the amount of inorganic arsenic allowed in infant rice cereal. Part of the FDA's ongoing monitoring includes reports of the "Total Diet Study" and its "Closer to Zero Action Plan," which prioritizes steps that will be taken to reduce exposure to contaminants, such as arsenic. In response to recent reports revealing the percentage of foods served to infants with measurable amounts of heavy metals, the American Academy of Pediatrics has continued to recommend feeding infants a variety of foods to help minimize exposure to arsenic and other contaminants.

Registered dietitian nutritionists can assist parents in determining safer food choices for infants and young children and when counseling other at-risk populations, including pregnant women and individuals with celiac disease. When providing strategies to lower intake of foods high in inorganic arsenic, RDNs will need to be sensitive to cultural influences, since rice-based dishes are prevalent in many cuisines.

References:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arsenic in Food and Dietary Supplements. April 27, 2022. Accessed July 12, 2022.
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Public Health Statement for Arsenic. March 12, 2015. Accessed July 7, 2022.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Issues Final Guidance for Industry on Action Level for Inorganic Arsenic in Infant Rice Cereals. August 5, 2020. Accessed July 12, 2022.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. AAP: Babies should eat a varied diet to protect against heavy metals in commercial, homemade food. August 11, 2022. Accessed September 2, 2022.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Total Diet Study (TDS): Results. Accessed August 1, 2022.