Going Gluten-Free By Choice? Read This First About a Potential Health Risk by Mei Marcie

Gluten-free diets have gained popularity over the years. About a quarter of Americans report choosing to reduce or remove gluten from their diets, although only about 1 percent suffer from celiac disease. While others may suffer from gluten sensitivity, there are those who eliminate gluten for general improved health.

Researchers at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) conducted a study on 7,471 individuals and identified 73 who followed a gluten-free diet. Their blood and urine samples indicated higher levels of arsenic and mercury. The speculation is that gluten-free choices, such as rice, may be exposed to toxic metals from water, soil or fertilizers. This points to the need for better regulation of potentially harmful toxic metals in rice and other gluten alternatives. The findings were published in the journal Epidemiology.

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