Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025

Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Heavy metals and phthalate contamination in prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements
Hannah Gardener1, Jaclyn Bowen2, Sean P Callan3
1University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Miami, Florida, USA.
Objective:
The goal is to characterize the contamination of prenatal vitamins and folate/folic acid supplements with lead, cadmium, and phthalates.
Methods:
The sample included 156 commercially available prenatal vitamins, 19 folate/folic acid supplements, and nine prescription prenatal supplements. Lead and cadmium were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and phthalates by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and quantified as μg/daily serving. Distributions of lead, cadmium, and phthalates were examined across products, as well as the proportion exceeding the California proposition 65 threshold for daily lead consumption (0.5 μg).
Results:
Lead exceeded the limit of quantification (LOQ) in 83% of commercially available prenatal vitamin samples (15% > 0.5 μg/serving), cadmium in 73%, DEHP in 25%, and DBP in 13%. Product characteristics associated with increased lead and cadmium contamination included calcium and iron doses, and being a caplet, capsule, or tablet. Lead and cadmium exceeded the LOQ in 7/9 prescription prenatals (33% > 0.5 μg/serving lead). Heavy metal and phthalate contamination was lower in folate/folic acid supplements.
Conclusions:
Clear and enforceable regulations regarding frequent testing and restriction of lead and cadmium contamination in prenatal vitamins are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Teratogenicity
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
Vitamins
Minerals
Major...
Drug Regulation

