Arsenic in rice-is this a concern for those on Gluten-free diets

[Rosemary76210]

I saw a program on TV recently that talked about the danger people on GF diets might be exposed to because of arsenic in rice. I googled "rice and pregnancy" as well as "arsenic in rice" and found several articles on the subject. Boiled down (excuse the pun) eating too many rice products from the wrong sources could elevate your levels of arsenic to unsafe levels and harm you or your unborn baby. I am not GF, but I wouldn't want any of you to experience any unnecessary pain or miscarriage. Praying good health for everybody on here.

webmd.com/baby/news/2011120...

huffingtonpost.com/entry/ar...

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi, yes I have seen that, in a prior article, for me anyway, it is about varying the diet, for instance I rotate my proteins and carbs, everything really. Also being gluten free I make sure I eat 5 brazil nuts a day for the selenium etc. There is advice around like this, health.com/food/how-to-redu...

MaryF

[Rosemary76210 in reply to MaryF]

Thanks, Mary. It occurred to me that when we wash or soak and rinse the rice we are removing the vitamins that have been added to prevent birth defects (at least here in the US), so supplements should probably started before one becomes pregnant.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Rosemary76210]

It is standard in the UK to take folic acid when pregnant, some have a very good diet, I do, so don't really need fortified products. It is a pet hate of mine food with so much removed they have to add vitamins back in. MaryF

[Rosemary76210 in reply to MaryF]

Neural tube defects occur in the first month of development, before you even know you are pregnant. Depleted soil and poor diets resulted in fortifying basic foods, like bread, in order to prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to Rosemary76210]

I try and eat organically where possible, I know that Magnesium is depleted in the USA in the soil. However I also take some specific supplements. Keep well. MaryF

[ndstephens49 in reply to Rosemary76210]

West Virginia has a high incidence of Spina Bifida. Not sure why.

Nancy in WV

[GinaD]

I have been gluten free for over 10 years, and yes, arsenic is an issue. There is less arsenic in rice grown in the US then that grown in China. Chlorophyll containing foods, i.e., green leafies, are natural chelating agents which can help rid your body of arsenic and heavy metals. But since those of us on warfain have to limit our green leafy intake, this creates a Catch 22 situation.