A recent study conducted by Tulane University has found that certain popular drinks contain toxic metals in concentrations that exceed federal standards for safe drinking water.
The investigation analyzed 60 beverages and discovered that five of them contained higher levels of specific toxic metals than what is considered safe by federal standards. Two assorted juices were found to have arsenic concentrations exceeding the standard of 10 micrograms per liter, while a cranberry juice, a mixed fruit and carrot juice, and an oat milk were found to have cadmium levels surpassing the standard of 3 parts per billion.
The study tested a range of beverages commonly found in grocery stores, including single and mixed fruit juices, plant-based milks, sodas, and teas. Mixed-fruit juices and plant-based milks, such as oat and almond milk, were found to have elevated concentrations of toxic metals more frequently than other drinks, according to the findings published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis.
Out of the 25 toxic metals and trace elements measured, seven of them exceeded drinking water standards in some of the drinks. These elements included nickel, manganese, boron, cadmium, strontium, arsenic, and selenium. While lead was detected in over 93% of the samples, most of them contained very low levels, below 1 part per billion. The highest level of lead, 6.3 micrograms/kg, was found in a lime sports drink, but it still fell below the drinking water standards set by the EPA and WHO.
Tewodros Godebo, the lead author of the study and assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, emphasized the importance of the study, as there is a lack of peer-reviewed research examining the contents of American beverages.
While the health risks for adults consuming these soft drinks in smaller quantities are likely low, Godebo advised parents to be cautious about offering mixed-fruit juices or plant-based milks in large volumes to infants and young children. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium are known carcinogens and can cause damage to internal organs and cognitive harm, particularly during early brain development in children.
Godebo explained that most of these elements found in beverages likely originate from contaminated soil. Removing them entirely is challenging since these metals occur naturally.
The study’s findings aim to raise awareness and encourage individuals to be more mindful of their consumption choices. Godebo and his team plan to conduct a risk assessment based on the data collected to evaluate the impacts of consuming toxic metals in both children and adults.