Superfund Research Program

September 2025

Paper of the Month

Arsenic exposure has wide-ranging effects on human metabolism, which may explain its link to multiple diseases, according to researchers at the Columbia University SRP Center.

The scientists analyzed the metabolic profiles of 598 Bangladeshi adults and they tested whether taking folic acid supplements for 12 weeks changed the adults’ metabolism in a randomized clinical trial. The team identified 74 arsenic-associated metabolites and four metabolites linked to folic acid induced arsenic methylation changes. Many of these metabolites are related to the production of amino acids that play a key role in generating neurotransmitters, chemicals that allow neurons to communicate.

According to the authors, these findings shed light on the mechanisms behind arsenic toxicity and could inform prevention and treatment strategies. Furthermore, the findings suggest that some arsenic-induced metabolic disruptions could be improved with folic acid supplementation.

To learn more, see the NIEHS Environmental Factor Newsletter.