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Published on: May 16, 2019
Cadmium in zinc-containing mineral supplements
1Applied Research Institute, PO Box 1925, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Cadmium contamination varies widely in zinc supplements, with gluconate forms showing the lowest levels. This highlights the need for stricter regulation of toxic elements in dietary supplements.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dietary supplements are a common source of micronutrients like zinc (Zn).
- Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that can contaminate food and supplements.
- Ensuring the safety and purity of supplements is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify cadmium levels in commercially available zinc dietary supplements.
- To compare cadmium contamination across different zinc supplement formulations.
- To assess the implications of cadmium presence in relation to the US Recommended Dietary Allowance for zinc.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of seven zinc-containing dietary supplements.
- Quantification of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) using inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS).
Main Results:
- Cadmium was detected in all analyzed zinc supplements.
- The concentration of cadmium per 15 mg of zinc varied significantly (over 37-fold).
- Zinc supplements formulated as zinc gluconate consistently exhibited the lowest cadmium levels.
Conclusions:
- The presence and variability of cadmium in zinc supplements pose a potential health risk.
- Zinc gluconate may be a safer formulation regarding cadmium contamination.
- Governmental standards and regulations for toxic element levels in dietary supplements are recommended.
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