Gluten-free diet may increase exposure to arsenic, mercury stat : UPI

Exposure to high levels of arsenic and mercury can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological effects. Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago has found that people who eat a gluten-free diet may be exposed to increased levels of arsenic and mercury. Gluten-free products use rice flour instead of wheat, and rice contains toxic metals including arsenic and mercury from fertilizers, soil and water. Researchers found twice the levels of arsenic in the urine and nearly 70 percent higher levels of mercury in the blood of the participants who reported following a gluten-free diet compared to those who did not. Argos said the United States regulates the levels of arsenic in water but not rice flour, unlike in Europe where there are regulations for food-based arsenic exposure as well.




The arsenic levels were almost twice as high for people eating a gluten-free diet, and mercury levels were 70 percent higher. A gluten-free diet is recommended for people with celiac disease, but others often say they prefer eating gluten-free because it reduces inflammation – a claim that has not been scientifically proven. In 2015, one-quarter of Americans reported eating gluten-free, a 67 percent increase from 2013. They found 73 participants who reported eating a gluten-free diet among the 7,471 who completed the survey, between 2009 and 2014. "These results indicate that there could be unintended consequences of eating a gluten-free diet," Argos said.


The arsenic levels were almost twice as high for people eating a gluten-free diet, and mercury levels were 70 percent higher. A gluten-free diet is recommended for people with celiac disease, but others often say they prefer eating gluten-free because it reduces inflammation – a claim that has not been scientifically proven. In 2015, one-quarter of Americans reported eating gluten-free, a 67 percent increase from 2013. They found 73 participants who reported eating a gluten-free diet among the 7,471 who completed the survey, between 2009 and 2014. People who eat a gluten-free diet may be at risk for increased exposure to arsenic and mercury – toxic metals that can lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological effects, according to a report in the journal Epidemiology.



collected by :Lucy William