Chocolate, beloved for its rich flavors and potential health benefits, continues to spark debate. Last year,
Consumer Reports raised concerns about certain dark chocolate brands containing dangerous amounts of lead and cadmium.
Illustration image Pixabay
In a new study, researchers from Tulane University analyzed 155 dark and milk chocolates, from brands sold in the United States, looking for 16 heavy metals, ranging from toxic ones like lead and cadmium, to essential ones like copper and iron. The results show that a moderate daily consumption of dark chocolate is safe for adults, although some bars could pose a risk for young children.
The study found that one brand of dark chocolate exceeded the international limit for cadmium, with the ingestion of four bars of this brand leading to cadmium levels potentially dangerous for children weighing less than 33 pounds (15 kg). However, it's rare for a child to consume more than two chocolate bars a week, according to Tewodros Godebo, the principal author of the study.
The ingestion of two chocolate bars from one brand exceeded California's standards for lead, but did not pose significant risks for adults or children.
By expanding the sample and testing for 16 metals, this study also evaluated the nutritional intake of essential minerals. Dark chocolates contained high levels of copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc, with some samples covering more than 50% of the daily requirements for these minerals. Additionally, these minerals could reduce the absorption of toxic metals in the intestine.
Researchers observed that the lead in chocolate primarily comes from post-harvest processing, while cadmium originates from the soil. South American chocolates contained higher levels of these metals compared to those from Asia and West Africa, but with no risk when consumed in moderation.