Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Chronic arsenic toxicity (arsenicosis) is a major human health problem in extensive areas of the world, including Bangladesh and the Gangetic plains of South Asia. There is considerable epidemiological evidence that arsenicosis is exacerbated by deficiencies of selenium (Se) and folate in human diets. Selenium, an essential trace element in our diets, is deficient in soils over large areas of the world. Selenium levels in humans are determined by the bioavailable Se content of the plants in their diet. Split lentil, a quick cooking pulse, is an important component in the daily diet of most families in the arsenic-affected areas of South Asia. Saskatchewan has good soil Se in most crop production areas. Lentils are known to take up this nutrient in adequate, but not toxic, amounts as 'Se accumulator1 plants do. Current research also demonstrates that folate supplementation of diets of arsenic exposed people results in decreased blood arsenic levels and increased urinary output of arsenic metabolites. In studies with laboratory mammals, folic acid supplementation can reduce signs of arsenic toxicity. In this research we propose to take advantage of the biochemically antagonistic relationship between selenium and arsenic to counteract arsenic toxicity in animals. We will specifically examine the effects of dietary supplementation with Se and folate, on clinical symptoms of arsenic toxicity in laboratory rats. Next, we plan to identify naturally folate rich, Saskatchewan lentil varieties with higher Se content, and establish links between the high Se lentil, and health benefits in chronic arsenic poisoning.