Calcium Supplements: an Additional Source of Lead Contamination

Abstract

The risk posed by the quantity of heavy metal lead present in Ca supplements is of grave concern. Some lead levels have been measured up to the extent of regulatory limit set by the United States. Calcium supplements inevitably get contaminated with lead as both are naturally occurring elements having the same charge density. Therefore, it is imperative to indicate the level of this toxic metal in these supplements in order to create awareness among consumers. The calcium in the supplements is derived from natural as well as synthetic/refined sources (chelated or non-chelated). In this study, a sophisticated analytical technique, atomic absorption spectrometer (both with FAAS and GFAAS modes of atomization), was used for the purpose of analyzing Pb contents in 27 commonly used Ca supplements manufactured by different national and multinational companies. The daily intake of lead through these supplements was calculated. Only 10% of the calcium supplements analyzed met the criteria of acceptable Pb levels (1.5 μg/daily dose) in supplements/consumer products set by the United States. It was also found that Pb intake was highest in chelated calcium supplements whereas lowest through calcium supplements with vitamin D formulation. The Pb concentration in calcium supplements was significantly increased (p < 0.001) according to their composition. In order to validate our results from the study conducted, IAEA-certified reference material (animal bone, H-5) was analyzed for Pb levels. The limit of detection of the method used was 0.05 μg/g and a 95% lead recovery of IAEA-certified reference material (animal bone, H-5).

Assessment of trace metal contents in chocolate samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

“…The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for all the elements analyzed in the chocolate samples were calculated as the blank signal plus three or ten times, respectively, its standard deviation (Currie, 1999;Rehman et al, 2011), employing the optimized instrumental conditions stated in Table 1 and Table 2. C -3 0 C -2 7 C -2 6 C -1 4 C -2 8 C -1 1 C -1 6 C -5 C -2 3 C -8 C -1 9 C -1 2 C -3 C -2 9 C -1 5 C -6 C -3 2 C -2 0 C -1 7 C -3 1 C -2 C -2 1 C -2 5 C -7 C -1 0 C -4 C -2 2 C -9 C -1 3 C -2 4 C -1 8 C -1 Table 4 lists the average concentrations of metals in the aforementioned categories of chocolates with their respective ingredients. The highest concentration of Pb was detected in cocoa-based chocolates.…”

Urinary Calcium Excretion and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in the General Population

“…This may be because some calcium supplements have been shown to also include contaminants (such as lead) that may be damaging the kidney, or it may be due to the fact that calcium-rich foods also contain additional nutrients and bioactive food components that may alter the absorption or utilization of calcium, making the risk associated with these two sources of calcium potentially different from one another. 26 …”

Increased Lead Levels in Pregnancy Among Immigrant Women

“…Vitamin D has the well‐documented effect of assisting in calcium absorption. Because the methods used in the production of mineral supplements may introduce lead, care should be taken to prescribe or recommend supplements made by a reputable pharmaceutical company 29 …”

“…Because the methods used in the production of mineral supplements may introduce lead, care should be taken to prescribe or recommend supplements made by a reputable pharmaceutical company. 29 In cases of extremely elevated blood lead levels, maternal safety may require referral for chelation therapy to bind lead in the maternal blood and promote excretion. Any level above 70 mcg/dL should be considered a medical emergency that warrants chelation, 1 as the woman herself is at significant risk for adverse central nervous system effects.…”