B Vitamins and Antioxidants May Protect Against Arsenic-Related Skin Lesions in Bangladesh
Author Information
Author(s): Lydia B. Zablotska, Yu Chen, Joseph H. Graziano, Faruque Parvez, Alexander van Geen, Geoffrey R. Howe, Habibul Ahsan
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
The study aims to clarify the effects of B vitamins and antioxidants on arsenic-related skin lesions.
Conclusion
Higher intakes of B vitamins and antioxidants may reduce the risk of arsenic-related skin lesions in Bangladesh.
Supporting Evidence
- Riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E significantly modified the risk of arsenic-related skin lesions.
- Those in the highest quintiles of vitamin intake experienced a 46% to 68% reduction in the deleterious effects of arsenic.
- Consumption of B vitamins and antioxidants at doses greater than the current recommended daily amounts may reduce skin lesion risk.
Takeaway
Eating more foods with B vitamins and antioxidants can help protect your skin from problems caused by arsenic in drinking water.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS) with individual-level, time-weighted measures of arsenic exposure.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to shared well water arsenic concentration among participants.
Limitations
The study is based on prevalent skin lesions and may be affected by measurement errors in dietary intake.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults aged 18 and older from Araihazar, Bangladesh.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.0–2.1
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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