Nutritional and Health Implications of Pseudocereal Intake

Arsenic Through the Gastrointestinal Tract

Intestinal barrier function regulates (micro-)nutrient absorption and host defense mechanisms at the mucosal interface with the external environment. Maintaining gut homeostasis is essential for human health; however, many factors including food and water pollutants may affect the physiological balance at the intestinal level. One of the contaminants of highest health concern is arsenic, which affects more than 200 million people worldwide, causing cancer and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Arsenic affects intestinal health by disrupting barrier function and inducing inflammatory responses. Processes involved in the transiting of arsenic through the gastrointestinal tract can affect …