Various free- and bound- forms of D-amino acids occur not only in bacteria but also in yeast, plants, insects, and mammals. For example, D-alanine and D-glutamate are found as the essential amino acid residues of peptidoglycan in a bacterial cell wall. The bacterial enzymes participating in D-amino acid metabolism, in particular amino acid racemases and D-amino acid aminotransferase, have been studied in detail. Recently the analytical techniques for D- amino acid measurement have developed, and we can rapidly determine various D-amino acids contents in organisms and tissues with high sensitivity to investigate their physiological roles. In marine and euryhaline invertebrates, D-alanine was shown to be involved in the osmotic stress response. In mammals, D-serine acts as a neuromodulator whereas D-aspartate plays various neuronal and endocrine roles. Several D-amino acids were also found in plants, i.e. D-alanine and D-glutamate occur in pea seedling, but their metabolisms and physiological roles are not clarified at all. In this study, we analyzed D-amino acids contents in various vegetables and fruits and examined the biosynthetic pathway of D-amino acid in plant.

We have pointed out that biotin is scarcely included in special formulas made in Japan. In this study, we describe the biotin status in 22 infants with phenylketonurea (PKU) who have been fed special formulas. Serum free and total biotin level, biotinidase activity, vitamin B₁₂, folate level, urine biotin, 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (3-HIA), lactate, pyruvate and creatinine (Cre) were measured and compared with healthy infants fed breast milk and formula. Serum total biotin level (2.5±0.4 ng/mL) and biotinidase activity (6.6±0.9 nmol/min/mL) in infants with PKU were in the normal range and there were not significant differences compared with those in the 18 infants fed breast milk (2.3±0.6 ng/mL and 5.0±1.3 nmol/min/mL, respectively). In the urine of infants with PKU, the biotin level (16.8± 24.2 μg/g Cre) was significantly lower than infants fed breast milk (70.2±61.8 μg/g Cre). 3-HIA, lactate and pyruvate levels tended to be high. It is shown that the state of low biotin levels is latent in infants fed special milk.

During the past twenty years, many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of oyster extract on various life-style related diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of oyster extract on the formation of chemically induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). At 6 weeks of age, mice fed an AIN93G modified diet containing oyster extract (0.2, 1.0 and 5.0 %) were given DMH (25 mg/kg body wt) once weekly for 6weeks. The number of ACF was evaluated in the 0.1 % methylene blue stained colon. ACF was scored under a light microscope with 40 times magnification to transluminate the colon. ACF were distinguished from normal crypts by their large size and elliptical shape. The mice fed the oyster extract diet showed decreased colonic total ACF and with a multiplicity of 4+ aberrant crypts compared with control. It is considered that the intake of oyster extract caused effectively detoxication of DMH because a few decrease rate of body weight and mortality. As feeding dosage of oyster extract, the development of ACF was inhibited effectively. Further, ACF multiplication more than 4+ aberrant crypts was inhibited. These results suggest that dietary oyster extract showed promise in colon cancer prevention by reducing the ACF formation. However, clear evidence of cancer prevention was not obtained in the present study.

To evaluate anti-carcinogenic activity of selenite and selenium (Se)-rich kaiware daikon sprouts (Se sprouts), their inhibitory effects on formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were evaluated in colon of mice administered 1,2- dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Male 4-week A/J mice were divided into 7 dietary groups and fed a casein-based low Se basal diet (Se content: 0.03 μg/g) or the basal diet supplemented with selenite, Se-sprouts (Se content: 135 μg/g dry basis) or selenite + control sprouts (Se content: < 0.01 μg/g dry basis) at a level of 0.05 or 0.10 μg Se/g for 9 weeks. After 1 week of feeding, mice in all dietary groups were given six subcutaneous injections, separated by 1 week, of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight). Several number of mice fed the basal diet were injected with saline. Injection with DMH caused formation of a lot of number of ACF in colon of the mice fed the basal diet. Dietary supplementation with selenite at a level of 0.05 μg Se/g significantly inhibited the formation of ACF. However, this inhibitory effect of selenite was not observed in mice supplemented with selenite at a level of 0.10 μg Se/g. On the other hand, significant inhibitory effect of Se sprouts on the ACF formation was not observed in mice supplemented with Se sprouts at a level of 0.05 μg Se/g but observed in those at a level of 0.10 μg Se/g. Supplementation with control sprouts did not effect on the ACF formation.

Data from 54 Holstein calves were collected to clarify the relationships between energy, protein and mineral status and fecal consistency in newborn calves at 6 day of age in Experiment 1. The occurrence of diarrhea decreased plasma glucose of calves at 6 days of age, and the rapid loss of P, Mg, Na and K into the feces was due to the development of diarrhea in calves. Ten female calves at 4 days of age were assigned to two groups in a 28-days control and supplemented with 20g of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)/day in Experiment 2. The diarrhea occurred in 4 untreated calves and 3 calves treated with GOS during 3 to 4 weeks after the treatment. Daily gains and rectal temperatures of calves were not affected by the GOS supplementation. Fecal DM of calves treated with GOS was higher than that of untreated calves, but fecal DM of the calves untreated and treated with GOS at week 4 was below 15%. The supplementation of GOS decreased plasma NEFA and keton bodies as well as fecal Na and K and increased plasma cholesterol. These results suggest that GOS supplementation improves energy and electrolyte status of calves, although the diarrhea occurred in the calves treated with GOS.

A new α-Man/Glc binding lectin, designated BanLec, was isolated from banana (Musa acuminata) fruits by Koshte et.al (1990). The extensive study by Peumans et al (2000) indicated that the lectin is present in the pulp of ripe fruits, and related to that from plantain (Musa spp). Goldstein and coworkers (2001) found unexpectedly that this lectin binds not only branched α-mannan and glucan but also linear α-glucans, such as nigeran and elsinan by recognizing their internal 1,3-glucosidic linkages. It also appeared that BanLec binds to some 0-6-branched β-glucans. In the present study the lectin was newly isolated by affinity column of α-1,3-glucan or branched Auricularia β-glucan.; the lectin was dimer of 14 kDa protein. The binding capability of BanLec was confirmed by use of the lectin- conjugated affinity column. Among various linear α-glucans, nigeran (1,3/1,6) and elsinan (1,3/1,4), but pullulan (1,6/1,4) was not able to bind. Interestingly BanLec was found to recognize Agaricus β-1,6-glucan, and other β-1,6-glu- cans, e.g., pustulan and Gyrophora glucan, but not β-1,3-glucans, such as curdlan. Thus, the banana lectin was proved to be a unique lectin, recognizing the specific internal linkages of α- and β-glucans.

Organotin exposure induced severe olfactory lesions. In a series of kinetic analysis of the mechanism in the induction of the lesions, we found remarkable results that organotin exposure induced extensive destruction and cell loss in the areas of the olfactory tubercle (olfactory cortex) and pyriform cortex which normally contain many small granule neurons, and further induced excessive accumulation of calcium and DNA fragmentation in the olfactory system such as olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb. Therefore, it was investigated whether or not the excessive accumulation of calcium would play a significant role in cell death and might contribute to toxic cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) associated with endonuclease activation, by determining Ca²⁺-requred DNase I. The result was that the endonuclease activation was parallel with excessive accumulation of calcium in the olfactory system, and that the both were related closely each other.

Hijiki contains plenty of nutritious minerals and is a familiar foodstuff in Japan. On the other hand, it also contains a lot of inorganic arsenic. Previous study showed 80~90 % of arsenic (As) in hijiki was removed by soaking and boiling in water. However, the decrease of nutritious mineral components in hijiki by such processes has not been resolved well. In order to grasp the elution of Mg, K, Ca and Fe in hijiki by soaking in water or warm water, the elution volume of each element and As was investigated until 120 min at 20°C, 40°C, and 80°C. As a result, 75~95 % of As in Me-hijiki (sprout hijiki) and 70~90 % of As in Naga-hijiki (long hijiki) were removed by soaking in water at each temperature, whereas more than 50 % of Mg, K, Ca and Fe in hijiki remained. In addition, the elution vol- ume of As in hijiki increased and also those of Mg and K slightly increased, as temperature rose, however those of Ca and Fe hardly changed. These results suggested that the soaking process was useful for removing inorganic As and didn’t affect the discharge of mineral components too much. Therefore, processed hijiki is a resource of miner- als sufficiently.

Although methylation of inorganic arsenicals has long been considered as a detoxification process, recent studies have indicated the synthesis of highly cytotoxic trivalent methylarsenicals during this process. Trivalent methylarsenicals may be generated as arsenical-glutathione conjugates such as dimethylarsinous glutathione (DMAs^IIIG), which may be formed as an intermediate during the methylation of inorganic arsenicals. Recently, we established the synthesis of DMAs^IIIG in our laboratory using a high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) plate. However, DMAs^IIIG is unstable under aqueous conditions and dissociates readily into dimethylarsinic acid (DMAs^V) and glutathione (GSH). Therefore, to overcome this obstacle, we employed cysteine as a thiol donor and synthesized monomethylarsonous cysteine (MMAs^IIIC) and dimethylarsinous cysteine (DMAs^IIIC). In this study, we used cysteine instead of GSH as the thiol donor and observed the in vitro cytolethality of synthetic MMAs^IIIC and DMAs^IIIC.

Zinc is the second most abundant trace element in the brain. Considerable amount of zinc is co-released with glutamate to the synaptic cleft during the neuronal excitation. Recent studies have indicated that excess zinc has a causative role in delayed neuronal death after transient global ischemia ischemia. Therefore, it is possible that a substance which protects against zinc-induced neuronal death could be a candidate for the prevention or treatment of neurodegeneration after ischemia, and finally provide a clue to the drugs of vascular type of senile dementia. To explore such substances, we have developed a convenient and sensitive in vitro assay system using GT1-7 cells (immortalized hypothalamic neurons), and examined various substances including fish extracts. Among tested, we found that water-soluble, heat-stable extracts of eels significantly protected GT1-7 cells from zinc. The eel extract contained much amount of carnosine (β-alanyl histidine), and carnosine protected GT1-7 cells against zinc-induced neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that carnosine may become a candidate for a therapeutic target of the global ischemia.

Menadione, a soluble form of vitamin K, is often used as a generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide in cultured cells or microorganisms. In this paper we describe the menadione-mediated production of superoxide anion in permeabilized yeast. Menadione inactivated aconitase which is the most sensitive enzyme to ROS, in the presence of KCN, an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase, suggesting that menadione can produce superoxide as a principal product. Addition of reducing agent including dithiol or NADPH increased aconitase inactivation, indicating that the enhanced ROS generation depends on the enzymatic reduction of menadione. Menadione further produced 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine in DNA in the presence of copper, suggesting menadione/copper-dependent formation of hydroxyl radical. Menadione may form semiquinone radical by the reaction with protein thiol residue or nucleic acid under the conditions without enzymatic reduction, followed by the formation of superoxide and further hydroxyl radical in the presence of transition metals causing DNA base damage.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical well recognized for its various physiological roles. Despite its importance, direct detection of NO is difficult for its high reactivity with other substances especially in vivo, where NO is rapidly con- verted to nitrosylhemoglobin and other oxidized species. In this study, we used NO-selective microelectrodes, which are capable of real-time detection of NO, to quantify NO released from NOC7 and NO-aspirin, the latter being a new type of NO-releasing drugs currently in clinical trial. NO was detected in in vitro experiments as well as in the liver and kidney of ddY mice given both NO-releasing compounds. We also used ESR spectroscopy to determine the for- mation of nitrosylhemoglobin in the blood of mice.

Iron is an essential element for all living organisms, and is a key functional component of oxygen transporting and storage molecules and of many enzymes. It is well established that the bioavailability of non-heam iron from foods is enhanced by the presence of meat. However, the factor associated with improving iron absorption in meat has yet to be identified. Thus, we determined the gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats administered Chicken Breast Extract (CBEX, Nippon Meat Packers, Inc.) and peptides.

The rats administered CBEX had significant increased pepsin activity and pepsin output compared with the control rats. There was no significant difference in gastric juice pH between the control and CBEX-administered rats. Furthermore, the carnosine-administered rats exhibited significant increases in pepsin activity and pepsin output. On the other hand, no significant differences in pepsin activity and pepsin output were observed between the control and taurine-administered rats. These results indicate that CBEX and carnosine decrease pH in the stomach by enhancing pepsin activity and pepsin output.

We have already prepared a zinc rich fraction (ZRF) from oyster and estimated that the ZRF contained a zinc absorption-promoting substance (FC substance). In the present study, we attempt to separate and characterize the FC substance. When the ZRF was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with a column of Asahipak GS-220 and a mobile phase of 1% acetic acid, more than ten peaks were detected in absorption at 254 nm. Among these peaks, one peak co-eluted with zinc was recovered as “FC fraction” estimated to contain the FC substance. Amino acid analysis showed peptide(s) rich in lysine and histidine was present in the FC fraction.

Rice is a staple food for East Asian and Southeastern Asian people. In particular, people in Lao PDR consume a large amount (180 kg/year/capita) of rice and are considered to be dependent on this cereal not only for energy intake but also for the intake of protein and several micro-nutrients including trace elements. However, there is no report on the content of trace elements in Laotian rice. In the present study, we determined zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) contents in Laotian rice and compared them with other types of Asian rice. Thirteen polished rice samples were collected in 4 prefectures (Vientiane, Luang-Phabang, Xiangkouang and Champsak) of Lao PDR. Their Zn, Se and Mo contents were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry, fluorometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, respectively, and compared with those in Japanese (n = 4), Thailand (n = 3), Malaysian (n = 10), Indian (n = 2) and Pakistan (n = 1) rice. Zn content in Laotian rice was 13.2±2.3 μg/g (n = 13) and was higher than that in Japanese rice (10.5±2.0 μg/g) and Malaysian rice (6.2±2.2 μg/g). Se content in Laotian rice was 19±7 ng/g and was similar to that in Japanese (17±7 ng/g) and Malaysian rice (39 ±9 μg/g) but was lower than Thailand rice (39±8 ng/g). In contrast to Zn content, Mo content in Laotian rice (327±177 ng/g) was lower than that in Japanese (613±232 ng/g) and Malaysian (730±285 ng/g) rice. Based on the analytical results and consumption of rice in Lao PDR (500 g/day/capita), daily intakes of Zn, Se and Mo from rice in the Laotian population were estimated to be 6.6 mg/day/capita, 9.5 μg/day/capita and 164 μg/day/capita, respectively. These results indicate that rice is a principal source of Zn and Mo in the Laotian population.

The olfactory system enables a direct transport of certain metal ions from the nasal cavity to the brain. There are two main pathways of the olfactory transport, which are axonal transport via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves and epithelial transport via extracellular fluid and the sustentacular cells. We previously demonstrated the direct brain uptakes of Mg²⁺ and K⁺ by the olfactory transport, however it was still unclear in which pathway these ions were transported. In the present study, to clarify the principal pathway of Mg²⁺ and K⁺ transport, we observed the interference in the olfactory transport of monovalent and divalent cations by colchicine, which cause destruction of microtubule and disrupt the axonal transport. A colchicine solution (0.38 mmol/ml) was instilled into the right nos- trils of mice (ICR) under ether anesthesia. After 1 and 3 h, a multitracer solution, which included ²⁴Na, ²⁸Mg, ⁴³K, ⁴⁷Ca, ⁴⁸V and ⁶⁷Cu, was administered to the mice in the same way. Six hour after multitracer administration, the mice were sacrificed, and then the blood, liver, ethmoturbinals, and brain were dissected. Subsequently, the brain was subdivided into three regions; the olfactory bulb, the forebrain region, the rest of brain region. As a result, ²⁸Mg and ⁶⁷Cu uptakes in the olfactory bulbs were reduced by colchicine pretreatment. On the other hand, as to ⁴³K and ⁴⁸V uptakes, no difference was observed between the control and colchicine pretreatment groups. Although the precise mechanisms of these two olfactory transports are still unclear, it was indicated that the ²⁸Mg²⁺ and ⁶⁷Cu²⁺ transports were mediated mainly by the axonal transport, and ⁴³K⁺ and ⁴⁸VO²⁺( ⁴⁸VO₂ ²⁺) transports were mediated mainly by the epithelial transport.

A taurine-rich fraction (P-III fraction) was prepared from waste during the production of oyster extract and its bioavailability was evaluated. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups; HC, T and P-III. The HC group was fed AIN93G diet supplemented with cholesterol (1 %) and sodium cholate (0.25 %). The T and P-III groups were fed the high-cholesterol diet supplemented with taurine (0.5 %) or P-III dry powder, respectively. Dietary taurine levels in the P-III group were equal to those in the T group. After feeding for 16 days, taurine concentrations in the liver, muscles, eyes and blood of rats in the T and P-III groups were significantly higher than those in HC group. Total cholesterol levels in the liver and serum of the T and P-III groups were significantly lower than those in the HC group. These findings indicate that oyster taurine was recovered in P-III as an available form. In addition, we could obtain crystalline taurine from the P-III fraction.

To elucidate the characteristics of “umami” of the bouillon extracted from boiled smoke-dried and molded bonito (Katsuodashi), in this study we compared the composition and amount of amino acids to the different kinds of fish (mackerel, sardine), and the extraction time of bouillon. As a result, bonito bouillon was characterized by anserine and carnosine, mackerel bouillon (Sabadashi) by branched-chain amino acids, and sardine bouillon (Iwashidashi) by cystathionine. Also, in Katsuobushi there was no difference in the composition and amount of amino acids between Ikkai-dashi (bouillon prepared from thick Katsuobushi) and Ichiban-dashi (bouillon prepared from sliced Katsuobushi). It was demonstrated that amino acids are extracted from sliced Katsuobushi in a short time. The amino acids contained in Katsuobushi, which is processed from raw bonito, contained 1.3 fold of that processed from frozen bonito, containing especially high concentration of anserine.

It is well-known that hospitalized elderly people develop poor nutrition, that is, “Hospital Malnutrition”, even if they are fed proper meals during their hospitalization. Therefore, we studied nutritional condition according to age and sex of inpatients who had no specific disease in the orthopedics department of the Ashiya Manicipal Hospital. The nutritional condition of elderly patients became poor during hospitalization. However, their nutritional condition improved when inpatients whose nutritional condition was deficient were provided by the enteral nutrition. Results of the questionnaire showed that these patients had a few meal intakes before the hospitalization. These findings suggest that for future medical treatment, a nutrition assessment during hospitalization and a nutrition control system designed by the nutrition support team corresponding to each patient are necessary.

Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) were prepared from peat and they had high total polyphenol contents (HA: 421 mg/g and FA: 299 mg/g). Antioxidative activity assays were carried out as following; (1) scavenging activities for 1,1-Diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, (2) inhibitory effect on oxidation of linoleic acid, (3) inhibitory effect on 2,2’-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes in vitro, and (4) effect on Cu²⁺-mediated conjugated dienes formation in human low density lipoprotein (LDL). Both of HA and FA showed relative activities against (1)-(3). That is, (1) HA and FA showed about 90 % of scavenging activities for DPPH radical at the concentration of 250 μg/ml, (2) at the concentration of 81 μg/ml, HA and FA showed inhibitory effect on oxidation of linoleic acid 57 % and 27 %, respectively, (3) HA as well as ascorbic acid (AA) showed about 90 % of inhibitory effect on AAPH-induced hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes (at the concentration of 67 μg/ml), and (4) HA inhibited Cu²⁺-mediated conjugated dienes formation in human LDL with the dose dependently. The inhibition mechanism by HA was suggested to be different from that of AA.

We investigated the effect of beer on the clastogenicity of N-nitroso compounds, such as N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). To evaluate the clastogenicity and anticlastogenicity, we employed in vitro micronucleus (MN) assay in Chinese hamster V79 cells. MNNG (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 μM) or MNU (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mM) lead to a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of MN cells in V79 cells. Two types of beer, Lager and Black, were tested for their anticlastogenicity, and both beer were found to reduce the frequency of MN cells induced by 5 μM MNNG or 0.3 mM MNU. Furthermore, we performed fractionation of beer components by column chromatography on cation- and anion-exchange resins, and fractions obtained were tested for their anti-clastogenicity against 5 μM MNNG. In the presence of bases fraction (53 μg/mL) or ampholytes fraction (7 μg/mL), the MN frequency significantly decreased compared to MNNG alone. These results suggest that certain base(s) and ampholyte(s), but not phenolic compounds, are responsible for the anticlastogenicity of beer.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the dietary factors that influenced serum folate. Data were obtained from 33 vegetarians and 63 omnivorous middle-aged voluntary women. The vegetarian diet consisted mainly of unpolished rice, green vegetables, and tofu (bean curd), under a physician’s guidance, and there were individual variations. Serum folate concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. The BMI, % body fat, waist circumference, and diastolic pressure in the vegetarian group were significantly lower than those in the non vegetarian group. The intakes of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, retinol activity equivalents, vitamin K and vitamin B1 in the vegetarian group were significantly more than those in the non vegetarian group. The serum folate and the blood rheology in the vegetarian group were significantly higher than in the non vegetarian group. A factor analysis using prin- cipal components extraction with promax rotation was performed on the variables of physique, body composition, hematological parameters, nutrient intake, and food intake. Ten components were extracted and subjected to path analysis. The hypothesized model fitted well (GFI, AGFI, RMR, RMSEA, and AIC). The results showed that “vitamins, minerals” and “serum proteins” directly increased, and “energy source” directly decreased the serum folate. Indirectly “pulses and green vegetables” increased, and “animal foods” decreased the serum folate. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the vegetarian diet directly and indirectly increases the serum folate and subsequently reduces plasma homocysteine and might to attributable to cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer disease.

To clarify vitamin B₁ nutritional status in Japanese, blood vitamin B₁ concentrations in middle-aged men and women lived in Kyoto and Shiga prefectures of Japan were examined. Total 1255 inhabitants; 734 men (47.4 ± 8.4 years) and 521 women (46.5 ± 8.9 years) had undergone the physical and biochemical in plasma examinations includ- ing blood vitamin B₁ concentrations.

Blood vitamin B₁ concentrations in average were 34.7 ± 9.6 ng/ml in men and 30.3 ± 8.0 ng/ml in women. Blood vitamin B₁ concentrations are used as a suitable index of vitamin B₁ status, and their low reference value of 20-50 ng/ml fixed by many clinical examination companies may lead to delay the detection of marginal vitamin B₁ deficiency.

On the other hand, as a result of sudden changes of life-style, dietary habits have also changed remarkably. By the report of the national nutritional survey, vitamin B₁ intake has continued to decrease little by little since 1970s. And moreover, at the store, there are a lot of processed foods, prepared foods and nutritional supplementary foods. These findings raise questions whether each individual really has vitamin B₁ intake more than enough. In this paper, we carried out a survey to assess the vitamin B₁ nutritional status of middle-aged Japanese men and women who do not ingest nutritional supplementary foods.

A kind of edible sea brown algae, Hijikia fusiforme, contains high amount of inorganic arsenic. British Food Standard Agency (FSA) advised people not to eat a type of seaweed called Hijiki, on July 2004, because of the high levels of arsenic that it contains. In this study, we examined the removal of arsenic compounds by soaking procedure with water, and the excretion of arsenic contained in H. fusiforme was investigated in mice. The arsenic compounds were determined by hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS), and the speciation analysis of arsenic was used by high performance liquid chromatograph coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HPLC/ICP-MS). It was made clear that the 28.2~58.8% of the total arsenic in alga were removed with water, 49.3~60.5% of arsenic eluted by heated cooking procedure, thus 88.7~91.5% of total arsenic is removable with cooking process. Hijiki was given to the mice, dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA) was mainly metabolized in urine. It became clear that soak with water and heated cooking procedure are effective in removal of arsenic from edible brown algae.