Study Reveals Concerning Levels of Toxic Heavy Metals in Prenatal Vitamins
Many Prenatal Vitamins Contain Toxic Heavy Metals, Study Finds
Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus tested 47 prenatal vitamins, including 32 over-the-counter and 15 prescription, for their choline and iodine levels and checked for arsenic, lead, and cadmium. The study found that seven products had arsenic amounts above the purity limits set by the US Pharmacopeia, two had too much lead, and 13 had too much cadmium.
Cadmium Poisoning Can Cause Serious Health Issues
Cadmium poisoning can cause chills, fever, and muscle pain, and chronic exposure can damage the kidneys, bones, and lungs. The study’s first author, Laura Borgelt, described the presence of contaminants, especially cadmium, as "concerning."
Label Claims Don’t Always Match Real Ingredients
The study also found a gap between what’s listed on labels and what’s actually in products. For example, only 12 of the 47 products listed choline, and only five products contained the amount of choline promised on the label.
Iodine and Choline Crucial for Fetal Development
Iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones crucial for proper fetal growth and development. The recommended iodine intake is 220 micrograms per day for pregnant women and 290 mcg/day for lactating moms. Of the 25 products that listed iodine content, only four contained the amount of iodine stated on the label.
Call for Stronger Regulatory Oversight
The study’s findings were published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Borgelt proposes "stronger regulatory oversight" of prenatal vitamins, echoing a 2023 federal government report calling for additional US Food and Drug Administration authority to oversee dietary supplements.
Prenatal Vitamins Still Recommended, But with Caution
While the study’s findings are concerning, the authors still recommend taking prenatal supplements during pregnancy. However, they suggest that consumers double-check the ingredients on the label or work with their healthcare provider to select the best supplement.
FAQs
Q: Are all prenatal vitamins created equal?
A: No, the study found significant variations in the quality and composition of prenatal vitamins.
Q: What are the recommended levels of choline and iodine during pregnancy?
A: The recommended amount of choline is 450 milligrams a day during pregnancy and 550 mg/day during lactation. The recommended iodine intake is 220 micrograms per day for pregnant women and 290 mcg/day for lactating moms.
Q: Are there any signs of cadmium poisoning?
A: Cadmium poisoning can cause chills, fever, and muscle pain, and chronic exposure can damage the kidneys, bones, and lungs.
Q: Can prenatal vitamins be trusted?
A: While the study’s findings are concerning, the authors still recommend taking prenatal supplements during pregnancy, but with caution. Consumers should double-check the ingredients on the label or work with their healthcare provider to select the best supplement.
