A recent study conducted by George Washington University has uncovered alarming levels of heavy metals in a significant portion of cocoa products sold in the U.S. This includes particularly high concentrations in organic products.
The study, titled “A Multi-Year Heavy Metal Analysis of 72 Dark Chocolate and Cocoa Products in the U.S.,” was published on July 31, 2024, in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Over an eight-year period, GW researchers analyzed 72 cocoa products, including dark chocolate, for contamination with lead, cadmium, and arsenic—heavy metals known to pose serious health risks. This comprehensive study was conducted every other year, providing a detailed look at the presence of these metals in consumer products.
“We all love chocolate but it’s important to indulge with moderation, as with other foods that contain heavy metals, including large fish like tuna and unwashed brown rice,” said Leigh Frame, the director of integrative medicine and an associate professor at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
She emphasized that while avoiding heavy metals in food entirely isn’t practical, consumers should be mindful of their intake and quantity.
The study was led by Leigh Frame and Jacob Hands, a medical student researcher at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The researchers used a threshold of maximum allowable dose levels to measure the extent of heavy metal contamination in various chocolate products available in stores.
Key findings of the study include:
- Lead Contamination: 43% of the products studied exceeded the maximum allowable dose level for lead.
- Cadmium Contamination: 35% of the products studied exceeded the maximum allowable dose level for cadmium.
- Arsenic Contamination: None of the products exceeded the maximum allowable dose level for arsenic.
- Organic Products: Surprisingly, products labeled as organic showed higher levels of both lead and cadmium compared to non-organic products.
While consuming a single serving of these cocoa products might not pose significant health risks based on median concentrations, frequent consumption or combining these products with other sources of heavy metals could lead to exposure levels that surpass the maximum allowable dose.
Foods high in lead typically include animal products that can bioaccumulate heavy metals, such as shellfish and organ meats, as well as foods grown in contaminated soil or imported from countries with less stringent regulations.
For cadmium, the main concerns are similar, with additional risks from certain seaweeds, particularly Hijiki seaweed.
Consumers should be particularly cautious about potential cumulative exposure risks, especially with organic cocoa products, which may contain higher concentrations of heavy metals.
Although dark chocolate is often suggested to have health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, and reduced chronic inflammation, this new research highlights the need to consider the potential risks associated with heavy metal contamination.
In summary, while enjoying chocolate in moderation is still generally safe, this study underscores the importance of being aware of the potential for heavy metal exposure from cocoa products.
As the research continues to evolve, consumers should stay informed and make dietary choices that balance enjoyment with health safety.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The research findings can be found in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
