Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

With my expertise in genetic testing and personalized health reports I aim to explain how our bodies process arsenic.

The variation in arsenic exposure effects between individuals remains a mystery for many who wonder why some people withstand arsenic better than others who experience severe health repercussions. This exploration will focus on how genetic factors influence arsenic metabolism and its subsequent effects on human health. High concentrations of arsenic in water and food sources represent a major health threat because it is both a heavy metal and a widespread environmental toxin. Bangladesh, Thailand, China and other regions have detected high arsenic levels which originate mostly from contaminated water sources and agricultural crops planted in arsenic-laden soil. Employees in chemical plants, smelting operations, and pesticide factories encounter greater exposure dangers. Arsenic exposure over time leads to serious health issues such as nerve problems and skin lesions which can further develop into cognitive impairment and cancer as well as high blood pressure and diabetes. Mees' lines appear as white lines on nails which can indicate arsenic poisoning yet may also point to other health conditions. Variations in our genetic makeup significantly influence the ways our bodies metabolize and excrete arsenic. Different variants of the AS3MT gene affect how well the enzyme it produces transforms arsenic into a less harmful substance. Certain genetic variants boost arsenic metabolism which reduces skin lesion risk yet other variants diminish this metabolic activity thus raising susceptibility to health problems related to arsenic exposure. Environmental factors play a significant role in determining arsenic levels within the body. Accurate assessment of your arsenic levels requires blood or urine testing. Healthcare professionals might suggest chelation therapy to patients with high arsenic levels because this treatment binds to heavy metals such as arsenic to help remove them from the body. If you want to learn more about how your body handles arsenic exposure and understand potential health risks you can benefit from the Precision Health & Wellness tests available through PlexusDx. Identifying your genetic tendencies towards arsenic metabolism enables you to implement proactive health improvement strategies. The study shows that genetic differences greatly affect arsenic processing in the human body which underscores the value of individualized health evaluations. I recommend that you explore the Precision Health & Wellness tests provided by PlexusDx to better understand your genetic characteristics and make well-informed health decisions. Understanding your health information enables you to maximize your well-being through knowledge-driven power.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.

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