Consumption of gluten free products increases heavy metal intake

The elevated concentrations of heavy metals can so far not be attributed to diet shifts in a GFD. However, due to the natural growth in flooded paddies, rice readily absorbs arsenic and mercury and can accumulate the toxins in the bran. As gluten-free products often contain a large share of rice flour, this connection should be subject to further studies. The lower amount of dietary fiber consumed when grains are withdrawn from the diet could explain the higher risk of cardiovascular disease.