By Erin Hunter
Heavy metals found in many foods and drinking water are harmful to human health. This systematic review identifies the toxic heavy metals present in a variety of foods and beverages, and assesses their impact on public health. The review revealed that most studies reported high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in foods and drinking water. This makes it important to implement effective food safety and quality assessment methods in order to ensure public health.
Copper
While many chemical elements in the diet are essential for our health, some can be toxic at high concentrations and with chronic exposure. The goal of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in a range of canned foods and compare them to the international tolerable limit (LOR). The study used 16 samples from different manufacturers. The concentrations were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer.
Copper and zinc are essential micronutrients but can become toxic when consumed in high concentrations. Both cadmium and lead are toxic at low concentrations but are not biodegradable. By assessing the concentration of metals in foods, we can learn more about how to minimize exposure to these metals and how to find alternatives.
Chromium
We know that heavy metals aren’t good for us, but how bad are they in our foods? Most of these elements have health risks, and consuming large amounts of them can lead to chronic conditions. They can also damage DNA and enzymes. Even the smallest amount can cause major problems.
One study suggests that chromium can help regulate blood sugar levels. It works by influencing the hormone insulin, which is released when blood glucose levels get too high. When insulin is released, it binds to a receptor on the outside of the cells. This causes the cells to absorb more glucose and return blood sugar levels to normal. In people with diabetes, however, this process is disrupted, and the body’s insulin response may be ineffective. In such a situation, chromium may help the hormone work more efficiently.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a heavy metal that is used in pesticides and also has some industrial uses. However, a high dose of this metal in the body can cause severe health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and even seizures. In the long run, it can lead to brain damage and reproductive problems.
The toxicity of arsenic depends on various factors, including the type of arsenic and the duration of exposure. It has been reported to affect nearly all organ systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Studies have also linked arsenic to cancer. However, the mechanisms of how arsenic causes tumors are still unknown.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a heavy metal found in foods and water. The concentrations of Al in various types of foods vary, depending on the source of the food. Fresh fish and oily fish, for example, have the highest content of Al in their waters. Foods that are grown in low-acid soils also have higher levels of Al, like tea and fruit juices.
Different institutions have set limits for the amount of aluminum a person should consume. For instance, the EFSA established a tolerable weekly intake of 1 mg of aluminum per kilogram of body weight. The FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has determined that the body can handle 0.2 to 1.5% of Al per kg of body weight per day.
