A recent study conducted by Tulane University has uncovered that certain popular beverages contain toxic metals in quantities that surpass the federal standards set for safe drinking water. These findings pose potential health risks, particularly for children.
The investigation examined 60 beverages and discovered that five of them contained elevated concentrations of toxic metals, exceeding the safe limits established by federal standards. Specifically, two assorted juices were found to contain arsenic levels surpassing the standard of 10 micrograms per liter. Additionally, a cranberry juice, a mixed fruit and carrot juice, and an oat milk all exhibited cadmium levels beyond the standard of 3 parts per billion.
The study evaluated 25 different toxic metals and trace elements in a range of beverages commonly found in grocery stores, including single and mixed fruit juices, plant-based milks, sodas, and teas. The findings, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, revealed that mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks, such as oat and almond, were more frequently associated with elevated concentrations of toxic metals compared to other drinks.
Out of the 25 elements examined, seven exceeded the drinking water standards in some of the sampled beverages. These elements include nickel, manganese, boron, cadmium, strontium, arsenic, and selenium. Although lead was detected in over 93% of the samples, most had very low levels below 1 part per billion. The highest level of lead (6.3 micrograms/kg) was found in a lime sports drink, which still fell below both EPA and WHO standards for drinking water.
Tewodros Godebo, the lead author and assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasized the significance of the study due to the limited number of peer-reviewed studies investigating the contents of American beverages.
The study’s results underscore the importance of being cautious about the beverages given to children. While the health risks for adults are likely low, these soft drinks are typically consumed in smaller quantities compared to water. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium, known carcinogens, can cause internal organ damage and cognitive harm, especially during early brain development in children.
Godebo suggested that the presence of these elements in beverages is most likely a result of contaminated soil, as these metals occur naturally and are challenging to eliminate entirely.
Hannah Stoner and Julia Ashmead, Tulane University students who participated in the study, expressed their hope that the findings would prompt people to be more mindful of their consumption choices. They stressed the importance of moderation when considering the impact of toxicity, as dosage often plays a significant role.
Godebo further explained that the next step is to conduct a risk assessment based on the collected data to better understand the effects of consuming toxic metals in both children and adults. The research team aims to continue exploring the composition of commercially available drinks and foods to enhance consumer awareness.
Reference: “Toxic metals and essential elements contents in commercially available fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages from the United States” by Tewodros Rango Godebo, Hannah Stoner, Madeline Pechilis, Hadley Taylor-Arnold, Julia Ashmead, Leah Claman, Liam Guest, Will Consolati, Oona DiMatteo, Madison Johnson, Kalista Cowden, Danny Shaferman, Evan Gordon, Hayden Dillman, Nati Phan, Aaron Tegegn, Sandra Vazquez Garrido, and Eames Heard, 20 February 2023, Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. DOI: 10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105230
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about toxic metals in beverages
Q: What did the study from Tulane University reveal about popular beverages?
A: The study revealed that certain popular beverages contain toxic metals in quantities that exceed federal standards for safe drinking water. These toxic metals pose potential health risks, especially for children.
4 comments
finally, a study on toxic metals in drinks! we need more awareness on dis issue. parents shud b vigilant n choose safer options for their lil ones. thumbs up 2 Tulane Uni 4 shedding light on dis!
wow, this study from tulane uni is mindblowin! toxic metals in drinks? thatz scarry! kids cud b at risk! v important 2 raise awareness n make healthier choices. need more studies like this!
whoa, toxic metals in our fav drinks? dis study frm Tulane Uni is shocking! we need stricter standards n regulations 2 protect consumers. kudos 2 the researchers 4 bringin dis 2 our attention!
omg! i luv drinkin fruit juices n sodas bt this study is a wake-up call. toxic metals?! we shud b careful wth wat we put in our bodies. thx Tulane Uni 4 dis info. gotta stay healthy!