Folic Acid for Arsenic Poisoning
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how folic acid might benefit people exposed to arsenic in Birmingham, Alabama. Researchers aim to determine if daily folic acid intake can improve health outcomes for those in high-arsenic areas. Participants will take either folic acid supplements or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) for 12 weeks. Eligible participants have lived in the affected area and maintain stable health without recent major changes. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to important research that could lead to better health solutions for communities affected by arsenic exposure.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are using methotrexate or taking folic acid supplements.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that folic acid is safe when taken in recommended amounts. One study found that taking 400 micrograms daily is not harmful. Other studies suggest that folic acid can help lower arsenic levels in the blood. Specifically, one study showed that people taking folic acid experienced a 13.62% drop in blood arsenic levels, compared to a 2.49% drop in those taking a placebo. These findings indicate that folic acid is generally well-tolerated and can be useful in reducing arsenic exposure.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for arsenic poisoning?
Unlike the standard treatments for arsenic poisoning, which often involve chelation therapy to bind and remove arsenic from the body, folic acid works differently by potentially enhancing the body's natural ability to repair damage caused by arsenic. Folic acid, a type of B vitamin, is being explored for its role in reducing arsenic toxicity by supporting methylation, a process that helps in detoxifying arsenic. Researchers are excited about folic acid because it could offer a more natural and less invasive approach, with the added benefit of being easily accessible and affordable.
What evidence suggests that folic acid might be an effective treatment for arsenic poisoning?
Research has shown that folic acid, which participants in this trial may receive, might help reduce arsenic's harmful effects by aiding its elimination from the body. Studies have found that folic acid intake can enhance the body's ability to process arsenic, leading to lower arsenic levels in blood and urine. Specifically, one study discovered that people taking folic acid experienced fewer symptoms related to long-term arsenic exposure compared to those who did not. These findings suggest that folic acid could help mitigate the impact of arsenic exposure.12567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kevin G Dsouza, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 living in a specific area in Birmingham, Alabama with chronic arsenic exposure. Participants must be generally healthy without major health changes in the last month and not currently taking folic acid supplements or have conditions like megaloblastic anemia or malabsorptive syndromes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either placebo or folic acid supplementation for 12 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Folic Acid
- Placebo
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Collaborator