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Study Finds Unsafe Levels of Toxic Metals in Fruit Juices and Non-dairy Milks

Fruit juices and non-dairy milks are popular alternatives to soda or dairy milk. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis has raised concerns about the safety of these popular beverages. The study found that more than half of the 60 samples analyzed contained potentially harmful levels of toxic metals. These toxic metals in fruit juices and non-dairy milks, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead, have also been found in baby foods, prompting parents to file heavy metal baby food lawsuits.

The study’s findings have significant implications for consumers, as these toxic metals in fruit juices and non-dairy milks can accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to various health issues. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to these contaminants, leading to developmental delays and neurological disorders.

Study Uncovers Toxic Metals in Fruit Juices and Non-dairy Milks

Given the widespread popularity of juices and plant-based milks, researchers at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, aimed to examine the concentrations of toxic metals in several popular products.

The team analyzed 60 samples of beverages commonly found in supermarkets, including:

• Mixed fruit juices
• Single-fruit juices
• Non-dairy milks (such as almond, oat, and soy)
• Artificial drinks (vitamin water, sports water)
• Sodas
• Tea

The results were startling, revealing a total of 21 measured elements in all the samples tested.

Among the elements analyzed, seven exceeded the allowable limits established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These elements included arsenic, cadmium, manganese, nickel, selenium, and strontium. For example, two mixed juices had levels of arsenic above the 10 microgram/liter limit. Additionally, a cranberry juice, a mixed carrot juice, and an oat milk had levels of cadmium exceeding the 3 parts per billion standard.

Most notably, researchers identified lead in 93% of the 60 samples. Most contained low levels, below 1 part per billion. However, even low levels of lead can negatively affect a child’s health.

Impact of Toxic Metals in Fruit Juices and Non-dairy Milks on Human Health

The presence of these toxic metals in fruit juices and non-dairy milks is concerning. These contaminants have been linked to severe health issues, especially in children. The researchers emphasized the importance of additional research to comprehend the full extent of heavy metal contamination in American beverages.

“People should avoid giving infants and young children mixed-fruit juices or plant-based milks at high volume,” advised Tewodros Godebo, the study’s lead author. “Arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known carcinogens and well established to cause internal organ damage and cognitive harm in children especially during early brain development.”

Heavy metals may enter these products through environmental contamination of soil and foods. Fossil fuels, fertilizers, air pollution, and pesticides can contribute to high levels of heavy metals in beverages.

These results highlight the importance of increased scrutiny and quality control measures in producing fruit juices and non-dairy milks to protect consumer safety.