August 1st 2024.
A recent study has found that dark chocolate and other cocoa products may contain harmful levels of lead and cadmium, two toxic metals that have been linked to various health issues such as cancer, chronic disease, and developmental problems, especially in children. These metals are naturally present in the Earth's soil and can't be avoided entirely, as they are absorbed by crops during growth.
However, some regions and crop fields contain higher levels of these metals, partly due to the use of fertilizers containing heavy metals and industrial pollution. Surprisingly, even organic versions of dark chocolate, which are grown on land with fewer contaminants, were found to have high levels of lead and cadmium in the study published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
Dark chocolate is known for its health benefits, such as being rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and minerals that can improve cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and reduce inflammation. The researchers focused on pure dark chocolate products, as they contain the highest levels of cacao, the raw form of the cacao bean. Products with other ingredients, such as candies or baking chocolate, were excluded from the study. The study did not disclose the names or manufacturers of the tested products.
Experts have raised concerns about the potential risks of consuming these contaminated products, especially for young children, pregnant women, and regular chocolate consumers. Jane Houlihan, the national director of science and health for Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a US-based coalition of advocates, stated that the levels of lead and cadmium found in the study were similar to those detected in the most highly contaminated foods tested by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to Houlihan, the FDA's list of foods with high levels of lead includes baby food sweet potatoes, teething biscuits, sandwich cookies, white wine, and ranch dressing. Similarly, foods with high levels of cadmium include sunflower seeds, spinach, potato chips, leaf lettuce, and french fries. She also mentioned that these risks may be even higher for young children, pregnant women, and regular chocolate consumers.
However, the National Confectioners Association, which represents the chocolate industry, assures that chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and have been enjoyed for centuries. They also claim that food safety and product quality are their top priorities and that they are committed to being transparent and socially responsible.
The study analyzed 72 consumer cocoa products for lead, cadmium, and arsenic levels. Compared to previous studies that only provided a snapshot of contamination levels, this study tested the products over an eight-year period. The testing was conducted by Consumer Labs, a non-profit organization that provides third-party testing for health and nutrition products, to ensure accuracy.
The results showed that 43% of the tested chocolate products exceeded the maximum allowable dose level for lead, according to California law, while 35% exceeded the maximum allowable level for cadmium. No significant levels of arsenic were found. The maximum allowable levels for lead and cadmium set by California's Prop 65 are lower than those established by the FDA.
Leigh Frame, the senior study author and executive director of the Office of Integrative Medicine and Health at George Washington University, pointed out that healthy adults who consume small amounts of chocolate should not be too concerned. A typical serving of dark chocolate is 28 grams, and as long as they are not exposed to other sources of lead, such as lead paint in an old home, there should be no major health risks.
However, Tewodros Godebo, an assistant professor of environmental geochemistry at Tulane University, who conducted a study on the levels of heavy metals in chocolate last month, says that the risk may be higher for medically compromised individuals, pregnant women, and small children. He found higher levels of cadmium, but little lead, in dark chocolates.
According to Godebo, low levels of cadmium can cause kidney damage over time, and the metal is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. He also mentioned that children can absorb up to 50% of ingested lead after a meal and up to 100% on an empty stomach. WHO states that there is no safe level of lead, especially for children, as it can affect their brain development and lead to reduced intelligence, behavioral changes, and academic difficulties.
However, Godebo's risk analysis found that healthy adults who consume a small serving of dark chocolate occasionally should not be too concerned. He believes that while it is impossible to completely avoid exposure to these contaminants, it is a relative risk, and the benefits of consuming dark chocolate in moderation still outweigh the potential risks.
In conclusion, while dark chocolate may offer numerous health benefits, consumers should be aware of the potential risks of consuming products contaminated with heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. The study suggests that pregnant women, young children, and regular chocolate consumers may be at a higher risk and should limit their consumption. The chocolate industry assures that their products are safe, but experts recommend being cautious and limiting intake to small amounts.
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