In vitro bioaccessibility assessment and in vivo bioavailability of arsenic ingested through rice commonly consumed by Brazilians

Abstract

Essential elements such as arsenic (As) are detected in rice grains in several regions of the world, which may pose risks to human health because it is a toxic element even at low concentrations. Once rice cultivated under anaerobic conditions (flooded system) absorb about 4 times more As than under aerobic conditions (highlands). This accumulation is an issue of concerning once As is carcinogenic to humans. Several studies have been conducted to determine the As concentrations not only in rice but in many foods rice-containing. In humans, the main site of As uptake is the gastrointestinal tract once the main route of exposure are foods. Into the human body, As can be biotrasformed by the gastrointestinal cells or metabolized by the liver and thus conducted by the bloodstream to other organs and tissues causing deleterious effects. There are several studies in vitro and in vivo involving animals, however tests involving humans are scarcely. Evaluation of As effects on humans through rice naturally contaminated is important, since many factors can influence the bioavailability of As. Therefore, this project aims to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility and in vivo bioavailability in volunteers under rice-diet commonly consumed by Brazilians (purchased from supermarket). (AU)