Arsenic

There is about 10 to 20 mg. of arsenic in the human body. In very small amounts arsenic may even be essential and functional in humans. Organic arsenic as arsenates and elmental arsenic both found naturally in the earth and in foods do not readily produce toxicity. The inorganic arsenites or tivalent forms of arsenic, such as arsenic trioxide used industrially and found as a food contaminate, seem to create the problems. They accumulate in the body, particularly in the skin, hair, and nails, but also in internal organs. Arsenic can accumulate when kidney function is decreased. Absorption of arsenic is fairly low, usually less than 5 percent. Most of it is eliminated in the feces and some in the urine.

Sources
Arsenic is present in small amounts in soil and therefore is present in our food. It is also in the ocean, so there is some arsenic in most seafood, especially the filtering mollusks, such as clams and oysters. Some arsenic may be present as a contaminant in meats as well. Arsenic is also found in many fuel oils and coal, so it is added to the environment when these are burned. Weed killers and some insecticides (particularly lead-arsenate sprays) are the main sources of arsenic contamination. This is responsible for a twentyfold increase in the level of arsenic found in humans. This in itself is not a great cause for concern about wide-range toxicity.

Arsenic Toxicity
Though there is some suggestion that arsenic may be useful in the human body, no clear biological function has yet been proved. In some studies, arsenic has been shown to promote longevity in rats. The importance of arsenic in cardiac function in humans is being studied. Though arsenic can displace phosphorus and phosphates in some reactions in the body, this is not known to lead to any definite physiological change.

Effects of Arsenic Toxicity
Possible effects of arsenic toxicity include hair loss, dermatitis, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headaches, confusion, muscle pains, red and white blood cell problems, neurologic symptoms, and liver and kidney damage. Acute arsenic exposure may cause a rapid series of symptoms. Arsine gas exposure is very toxic to the lungs and kidneys and is often fatal. Death from low-level, chronic arsenic exposure has the appearance of death from natural causes.

Check out arsenic levels in your body with our easy to use, home-based, HMT Arsenic Test Kit

Sample of a HMT Arsenic Test kit

Osumex HM-Chelat is most effective in eliminating heavy metals contamination in the body

The above information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace competent health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional. You are urged to seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any illness or disease.
The Food Standard Agency UK has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.