Title: Arsenic Through the Gastrointestinal Tract - ScienceDirect
Headings: 10
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Arsenic Through the Gastrointestinal Tract

Handbook of Arsenic Toxicology
10 - Arsenic Through the Gastrointestinal Tract
Keywords
10.1. General Aspects
10.2. Arsenic in Foods: Household Processing and Toxicological Risk
10.3. Role of the Gut in Arsenic Toxicity: Bioavailability and Intestinal Health
10.3.1. Gastrointestinal Health
10.4. Arsenic-Induced Metabolic/Immune Toxicity
10.5. Conclusions and Future Perspectives
References

Content: however, there is still an open discussion ongoing on this matter because it has been demonstrated that trivalent mono- and dimethylated compounds [4] and thiolated intermediary metabolites have higher toxicity than iAs [5], [6], [7], [8]. In vitro studies have also evidenced the existence of a presystemic biomethylation of iAs by human intestinal epithelial cells [9] and human gut microbiota [10]. Adverse health effects have been widely described after iAs intake in chronic and acute studies, with the conclusion that As is a highly potent toxicant and carcinogen [11], even at low doses. iAs is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a carcinogen to humans (Group I) associated also with increasing prevalence of skin lesions, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathologies, type 2 diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and neurobehavioral and developmental disorders [1]. 10.2. Arsenic in Foods: Household Processing and Toxicological Risk
Food and dietary habits constitute the most important source of As exposure for persons with limited exposure via drinking water [1]. Particular attention needs to be focused on infants during early stages of life. Moreover, persons suffering specific metabolic diseases that could affect As accumulation and metabolism, causing a potential major susceptibility to toxicity, deserve special consideration. Studies conducted in different countries to evaluate total dietary As have shown that in areas where there is no endemic As contamination, intakes between 8 and 345 μg/day can be reached [12].