Concerns About Seafood and Vitamin C: Arsenic Poisoning Risks

Ingestion Issues: Seafood Combined with Vitamin C

1.
Based on the consumption of a 322g seafood rice dish with omelet and mentaiko from 7-11, along with approximately 50mg of vitamin C from CC Lemon, it is unlikely that you would experience acute or chronic arsenic poisoning.
The dish contained a few small shrimp and some mentaiko, which typically do not pose a significant risk for arsenic toxicity at such quantities.
2.
The observation period to determine if there is no poisoning can vary, but generally, if no symptoms appear within 24 to 48 hours after exposure, it is a good indication that poisoning has not occurred.
3.
The amount of seafood and vitamin C required to cause poisoning can vary widely depending on the specific type of seafood and its arsenic content.
Generally, significant arsenic poisoning would require the consumption of large quantities of contaminated seafood over a prolonged period.
4.
Symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and neurological effects such as confusion or seizures.
Chronic arsenic poisoning may lead to symptoms such as skin changes, peripheral neuropathy, and increased risk of cancer.
5.
The human body can metabolize and eliminate small amounts of arsenic, primarily through urine.
However, high levels of arsenic exposure can overwhelm the body's ability to detoxify and eliminate it, leading to toxicity.
Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns.

Wu Yan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/06

Dr. Zheng Shuwen reply Pharmacology

Hello, regarding your question, please rest assured that it will not cause poisoning! "Toxic inorganic arsenic" and "non-toxic organic arsenic" are different! Although crustaceans (such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters) and mollusks (such as clams and oysters) contain arsenic, it is mostly in the form of non-toxic organic arsenic, which can be quickly excreted from the body and has no toxicity.
The Food and Drug Administration has calculated that one would need to consume at least 50 kilograms of shrimp at once to reach the minimum potentially lethal dose.
The acute symptoms of "toxic inorganic arsenic" include hepatotoxicity, effects on cardiopulmonary function, rhabdomyolysis, pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, renal failure, and bone marrow toxicity, with neurological disorders being common main features.
Chronic poisoning can lead to significant skin lesions such as eczema, keratinization, and skin cancer.
It can cause central and peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular diseases such as anemia, leukopenia, leukemia, and limb necrosis.
"Toxic inorganic arsenic" is metabolized in the human body within 1-2 days and then excreted through urine.
Wishing you all the best.
The Taoyuan Rehabilitation Hospital cares about you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our consultation hotline: 03-3698553.
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Reply Date: 2020/10/06

More Info

Regarding your concerns about the potential risks of arsenic poisoning from consuming seafood and vitamin C, it's important to clarify several points based on current medical knowledge.

1. Arsenic Poisoning Risk: The seafood you consumed, which included shrimp and fish roe, typically contains organic arsenic, which is generally considered non-toxic and is rapidly excreted from the body. In contrast, inorganic arsenic is the form that poses significant health risks, including acute and chronic poisoning. The amount of seafood you consumed (322g) is far below the threshold that would be considered dangerous. Research indicates that one would need to consume an extraordinarily high amount of seafood—potentially in the range of 50 kilograms at once—to reach a lethal dose of inorganic arsenic. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that your meal would lead to acute or chronic arsenic poisoning.

2. Observation Period: If you are concerned about arsenic exposure, the body typically metabolizes and excretes organic arsenic within 1-2 days. If you experience any symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. However, given the nature of your meal, it is unlikely that you would experience any adverse effects. If you remain symptom-free for a week, it is reasonable to conclude that you have not been poisoned.

3. Toxicity Threshold: The toxicity of arsenic varies significantly between its organic and inorganic forms. The amount of seafood and vitamin C required to cause poisoning is not well-defined, as it depends on the specific type of arsenic present and individual susceptibility. However, the general consensus is that the levels found in seafood are not harmful when consumed in typical dietary amounts.

4. Symptoms of Arsenic Poisoning: Acute arsenic poisoning can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological effects like confusion or seizures. Chronic exposure may lead to skin changes, peripheral neuropathy, and an increased risk of cancers. However, these symptoms are associated with significant exposure to inorganic arsenic, which is not a concern with the consumption of typical seafood.

5. Metabolism of Arsenic: The human body can metabolize and eliminate arsenic, particularly the organic forms found in seafood. The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying substances, and arsenic is primarily excreted through urine. Therefore, if exposure occurs, the body is generally capable of handling and eliminating it without long-term harm.

In conclusion, based on the information provided and current medical understanding, your meal is unlikely to cause arsenic poisoning. If you have any ongoing concerns or experience unusual symptoms, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Maintaining a balanced diet and being mindful of food sources is essential for overall health, but occasional consumption of seafood is generally safe and beneficial.

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