Elevated levels of toxic metals found in some mixed-fruit juices and soft drinks

                                       A Study by  Tulane University on Toxic metals in Beverages

    

Five of the 60 beverages tested contained levels of a toxic metal above federal drinking water standards, according to the study from Tulane University. Two mixed juices had levels of arsenic above the 10 microgram/liter standard. A cranberry juice, a mixed carrot and fruit juice and an oat milk each had levels of cadmium exceeding the 3 parts per billion standard.

The sampled beverages, which included those commonly found in grocery stores—single and mixed fruit juices, plant-based milks, sodas, and teas—were measured for 25 different toxic metals and trace elements. Mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks (such as oat and almond) contained elevated concentrations of toxic metals more often than other drinks, according to the findings published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.

All told, seven of the 25 elements exceeded drinking water standards in some of the drinks, including nickel, manganese, boron, cadmium, strontium, arsenic, and selenium. While lead was detected in more than 93% of the 60 samples, most contained very low levels, below 1 part per billion. The highest level (6.3 micrograms/kg) was found in a lime sports drink, though that's below both EPA and WHO standards for drinking water.

These soft drinks are often consumed in smaller quantities than water, meaning the health risks for adults are most likely low. But Godebo said parents should be cautious about what drinks they offer their children.

"People should avoid giving infants and young children mixed-fruit juices or plant-based milks at high volume," Godebo said. "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."

"These metals are naturally occurring so it's hard to get rid of completely," Godebo said.

Hannah Stoner and Julia Ashmead, Tulane University students who participated in the study, said they hope the findings encourage people to think more about what they consume.

"We are curious to keep exploring what's in our drinks and foods commercially sold to the consumers," Godebo said.