Overview

Arsenic is a trace element that naturally occurs in foods, such as rice. Organic arsenic is usually safe, but another form, inorganic arsenic, can be toxic.

The role of arsenic in the body isn't well understood. Most adults probably eat about 12-50 mcg of arsenic every day from a usual diet. Some experts have suggested that an average adult should have 12-25 mcg daily.

People use homeopathic preparations of arsenic for arsenic poisoning, COVID-19, seizures, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Homeopathic preparations are often so dilute that they contain little or no arsenic.

Inorganic arsenic compounds, which are different than organic arsenic, are considered poisonous. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies inorganic arsenic as a known cancer-causing agent. The maximum amount of arsenic allowed in drinking water is 10 mcg per liter.

Uses & Effectiveness

Effective for

  • Cancer of the white blood cells (leukemia). A specific, prescription-only form of arsenic (arsenic trioxide, Trisenox) is given by IV for the treatment of a specific cancer of the white blood cells known as acute promyelocytic leukemia. This product can only be given by a healthcare provider.
There is interest in using arsenic for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Organic arsenic is likely safe when eaten in normal food amounts. But inorganic arsenic, a different form of arsenic, is likely unsafe, especially when used long-term or in high doses. Taking 10 mcg/kg daily over time can cause arsenic poisoning. Higher doses can cause severe poisoning and death. Inorganic arsenic is classified as a cancer-causing agent in humans. Drinking water containing large amounts of inorganic arsenic has been linked to cancer, heart problems, and diabetes.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Organic arsenic is likely safe when eaten in normal food amounts. But inorganic arsenic, a different form of arsenic, is likely unsafe, especially when used long-term or in high doses. Taking 10 mcg/kg daily over time can cause arsenic poisoning. Higher doses can cause severe poisoning and death. Inorganic arsenic is classified as a cancer-causing agent in humans. Drinking water containing large amounts of inorganic arsenic has been linked to cancer, heart problems, and diabetes.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Organic arsenic is likely safe when eaten in normal food amounts. But inorganic arsenic, a different form of arsenic, is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Inorganic arsenic has been linked to miscarriages, stillbirths, and, in some cases, death of the newborninfant. Do not take arsenic supplements if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Children: Organic arsenic is likely safe when eaten by children in normal food amounts. But inorganic arsenic, a different form of arsenic, is likely unsafe when taken by mouth. Over time, drinking water containing large amounts of inorganic arsenic may lead to high blood pressure and problems with memory, attention, and intelligence in children.

Low levels of folic acid (folic acid deficiency): Folic acid deficiency changes the way the body processes arsenic. Having low levels of folic acid may increase arsenic levels in the body.

Heart problems: The prescription form of arsenic (arsenic trioxide, Trisenox) can affect heart rhythm in some patients. It is possible that non-prescription forms of arsenic might have similar effects.

Interactions

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Medications that can cause an irregular heartbeat (QT interval-prolonging drugs) interacts with ARSENIC

    Some forms of arsenic might affect electrical currents in the heart. This can increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat. Some medications can have this same effect. Taking arsenic with these medications might increase the risk for a serious heart issue.

Dosing

Organic arsenic is naturally found in several foods including seafood, poultry, grains (especially rice), bread, cereal products, mushrooms, and dairy products.

As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of non-prescription arsenic might be. It's sometimes used in homeopathy preparations. In these products, its often referred to as arsenicum album. Homeopathic preparations are often so dilute that they contain little or no arsenic.

View References

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