Nov 22, 2013 01:39 PM EST By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Diet alone can be a significant source of exposure to a carcinogenic element, according to a Dartmouth College-led study.

According to the study, food and drinks are a significant source of arsenic exposure regardless of the carcinogen's concentrations in the food being consumed. Exposure to arsenic has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, vascular diseases and low birth weight.

"Previous studies have shown that diet can be an important source of total arsenic exposure, but the new study is the first to account for arsenic in drinking and cooking water before looking at dietary contribution," researchers said in a press release. "Household water is thought to be most significant source of arsenic exposure in regions where water arsenic concentrations are elevated."

The study also confirms that toenail clippings are a good biomarker of long-term exposure to arsenic from consuming alcohol, Brussels sprouts and dark meat fish.

However, fish generally contain a form of arsenic that is thought to safely pass through the human body without being metabolized, but dark meat fish also contain arsenic compounds that can be metabolized.

In the study, researchers asked 852 participants about their average consumption over the previous year of 120 different foods, including dairy, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, breads, beverages and baked goods.

They found arsenic in toenail clippings is most strongly linked with consumption of alcohol - especially beer for men and white wine for women - and Brussels sprouts, according to the press release. Those who drank more alcohol and ate more Brussels sprouts had more arsenic in their toenail clippings than those who did not.

Researchers also found increased toenail arsenic in people who eat dark meat fish, which include tuna steaks, mackerel, salmon, sardines, bluefish and swordfish. 

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