A MAJOR CONSUMER MAGAZINE DISCOVERED HEAVY METALS, including lead and cadmium) in several popular brands of chocolate. I was horrified to see some of my favorite chocolates listed, including ones from Theo, Trade Joe’s, and more. I am not a big Hershey’s fan, but it is on the list, too.
Some context is in order. I am a huge fan of dark chocolate. I have toured France, Switzerland, Belgium, and more in search of the stuff. It is always in my office: I have you covered if you want to find seven different brands.
Taste aside, dark chocolate may have some health benefits.
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In addition, dark chocolate is chock full of important minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus.
Dark chocolate contains important minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and phosphorus. Minerals like these support immunity, keep bones and teeth healthy and improve sleep quality in our bodies.
Chocolate and heavy metals
With some of the health benefits noted, you may wonder if chocolate has a dark side. Historical research has discovered dark chocolate bards contain two heavy metals associated with health problems, including cadmium and lead.
The chocolate industry recognizes the problem and has struggled to lower heavy metal levels. Consumer Reports scientists measured heavy metal levels in 28 dark chocolate bars to understand better how much of a health risk chocolate carries.
The researchers detected lead and cadmium in all of the dark chocolate bars tested.
Is your favorite among the ones tested? Here’s the link to find out:
Lead and Cadmium Could Be in Your Dark Chocolate – Consumer Reports
Here are the safest ones, according to the researchers. The listings are according to California’s (USA) maximum allowable dose level (MADL) for lead (0.5 micrograms) and cadmium (4.1 mcg). Shown are the percentages of the MADL supplied in an ounce of each chocolate. While both cadmium and lead pose serious health risks, products are listed in order of lead level because no amount is considered safe.
- Mast Organic Dark Chocolate (80 percent cacao). Lead 14 percent, cadmium 40 percent.
- Taza Organic Deliciously Dark Chocolate 70 percent cacao). Lead 33 percent, cadmium 74 percent.
- Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate (86 percent cacao). Lead 36 percent, cadmium 39 percent.
- Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Twilight Delight (72 percent cacao). Lead 61 percent, cadmium 96 percent.
- Valrhona Aninao Dark Chocolate (85 percent cacao). Lead 63 percent, cadmium 73 percent.
According to public health and Consumer Reports experts, for 23 (of 28 tested) bars, daily consumption of one ounce daily would put an adult above a safe level. Five were above those levels for lead and cadmium.
The peril of lead and cadmium is especially great for pregnant women and young children, given the association between these heavy metals and developmental problems.
Dangers of heavy metals in chocolate
While some metals (such as iron) are central to well-being, others (including lead and cadmium) have no health value at any level, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
There is no safe lead level, but it becomes more dangerous as it accumulates in the body. The greatest risks are for children since their bodies are small and developing.
The CDC informs us that lead exposure can affect nearly all organs. In particular is the central nervous system, including the brain.
A blood concentration as low as 10 µg/L can slow a child’s neural development. In children and adults, lead can also negatively impact memory and cause stomach issues, anemia (low red blood cell counts), and high blood pressure.
Chronic exposure to cadmium can lead to stomach problems and damage the kidneys in children and adults.
How do heavy metals get into chocolate?
Many heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, appear naturally in soil and can easily make their way into our food. Humans have some blame, too: We have added heavy metals to the environment globally, including via pollution caused by farming, industry, and transportation.
For decades, gasoline in the United States used lead. The substance was banned from gas in 1996 but had already spread through the atmosphere and into our soil.
Look, and you will find measurable amounts of the heavy metal in virtually all foods, offers Dr. Robert Wright, a professor of environmental medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York City).
Should I stop eating dark chocolate?
After seeing the reports, I will not stop eating my small daily volume of delicious dark chocolate. I know that such heavy metals are probably present — in trace amounts — in many of the foods I consume.
It is hard to be vigilant, as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test food from specific brands or stores. Particularly concerning to me is the fact that the FDA does not require manufacturers to put the amounts of concerning metals on the package label. The FDA tests a few hundred annually for the Total Diet Study.
I will keep my dark chocolate for some of the known health benefits associated with moderate consumption of this nectar of the gods. Keep my heart health-promoting flavanols coming.
On the other hand, I would love the FDA to ask companies for more information on the poisons within their products. Finally, the Consumer Report article will help me prioritize which dark chocolate brands I consume.
But in the meanwhile, it doesn’t make sense to harp on one food type. And that leads to Kordas’ second reason for not giving up on dark chocolate: if you do, you may miss out on the health benefits of moderate consumption. For example, studies show that the flavonols in dark chocolate can promote heart health.
The study is a reminder that it is wise not to consume anything in more than modest quantities. A healthy, balanced diet may also offer some protection from heavy metals.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for joining me in examining the question: Are heavy metals in your dark chocolate?
