Toxic Metals Found in Popular Beverages, Poses Health Risks to Children, Says Tulane University Study
A recent study conducted by Tulane University has revealed that certain popular beverages contain toxic metals in quantities exceeding federal standards for safe drinking water. The investigation tested 60 different beverages and found that five of them had higher concentrations of toxic metals than what is considered safe.
Among the findings, two assorted juices were discovered to contain arsenic concentrations surpassing the standard of 10 micrograms per liter. Additionally, a cranberry juice, a mixed fruit and carrot juice, and an oat milk all contained cadmium levels beyond the standard of 3 parts per billion. These beverages, including commonly found ones like single and mixed fruit juices, plant-based milks, sodas, and teas, were measured for 25 different toxic metals and trace elements.
The study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, reported that mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks were more likely to contain elevated concentrations of toxic metals compared to other drinks.
While lead was detected in over 93% of the samples, most had very low levels below 1 part per billion. The highest level, found in a lime sports drink, was 6.3 micrograms/kg, which is below the standards set by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 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 importance of the study due to the limited number of peer-reviewed studies examining the contents of American beverages.
The health risks for adults consuming these beverages in smaller quantities are likely to be low. However, Godebo advised parents to be cautious about what drinks they offer their children. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known to be carcinogens and can cause internal organ damage and cognitive harm, especially during early brain development.
Godebo attributed the presence of these elements in beverages to contaminated soil, as they are naturally occurring and difficult to eliminate completely.
Hannah Stoner and Julia Ashmead, Tulane University students who participated in the study, expressed their hope that the findings would encourage people to be more mindful of what they consume. They emphasized that moderation is key when considering the dosage of toxic metals.
The next step for the researchers is to conduct a risk assessment based on the collected data to evaluate the impact of consuming toxic metals on children and adults.
Godebo concluded by stating his team’s continued curiosity to explore the contents of commercially sold drinks and foods, urging for further study in this area.
The study titled “Toxic metals and essential elements contents in commercially available fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages from the United States” was authored 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. It was published on February 20, 2023, in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.