By Flora Giatra, Biochemist-Nutritionist
Protein is one of the most essential nutrients for the human body, as it forms the foundation for creating and repairing cells and tissues. At the same time, heavy metals are substances that occur naturally in nature, but, due to human activity, they are often found in increased concentrations in the environment and food, posing serious health risks.
WHAT ARE HEAVY METALS AND WHICH ONES ARE THEY?
Heavy metals are a group of metals characterized by their high density and are typically toxic or harmful to humans at high concentrations. Some of the most common heavy metals include lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg).
IN WHICH FOODS ARE HEAVY METALS FOUND?
Heavy metals can be found in many foods due to environmental pollution, the use of chemicals in agriculture, and water contamination. Specifically, they are found in:
- Fish and Seafood: Certain fish, such as tuna and salmon, may contain mercury, mainly due to ocean and sea pollution.
- Minerals and Vegetables: In modern agriculture, heavy metals may accumulate in plants through contaminated soil and irrigation water. Root vegetables are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal accumulation.
- Agricultural Products: The use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium in products such as rice and cereals.
- Drinking Water: Water from contaminated sources may contain heavy metals, such as arsenic, which can enter the human body through consumption.
ARE HEAVY METALS DANGEROUS TO HEALTH?
Heavy metals in high amounts are dangerous to human health, primarily due to their toxicity. Their accumulation in the body can lead to various health problems, such as:
- Lead: Exposure to lead can cause nervous system problems, especially in children, and affect cognitive development and learning ability.
- Mercury: High levels of mercury exposure can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and heart.
- Arsenic: Arsenic in high doses can be carcinogenic, negatively affecting the skin, lungs, and other organs, and may also cause damage to the kidneys and liver.
- Cadmium: Cadmium accumulates in the kidneys and can cause kidney failure. It is also linked to damage to the lungs and bones.
DOES PROTEIN CONTAIN HEACY METALS?
Protein itself does not contain heavy metals. However, the source of the protein can affect the presence of heavy metals. For instance, proteins derived from animal products or seafood may contain heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, if the animals or fish were exposed to polluted environments.
Moreover, plant-based proteins, although generally less prone to heavy metal accumulation, compared to animal-based ones, are not entirely risk-free. Plants grown in contaminated soil or water may absorb heavy metals.
DO AMINO ANIMO PROTEINS CONTAIN HEAVY METALS?
All plant-based products, such as fruits, vegetables, and proteins, originate and grow in soil that contains trace amounts of heavy metals. Despite the misinformation circulating, this is completely natural and does not necessarily pose a health risk to consumers.
However, during the production process of AMINO ANIMO proteins, additional microbial and bacterial controls are conducted, including heavy metal checks, to ensure that all products meet the strictest standards.
CONCLUSION
Heavy metals can accumulate in certain protein sources, particularly in seafood and animal products, potentially affecting health in the long term. Informed food choices, dietary variety, and selecting reliable suppliers can reduce the risk of exposure to toxic heavy metals. With the right balance, we can enjoy the benefits of protein without burdening our bodies with harmful substances.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), “Scientific Opinion on the Risk to Human
Health of the Presence of Arsenic in Food.”
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Mercury in Fish and Shellfish.”
National Institutes of Health (NIH), “Lead Toxicity.”
World Health Organization (WHO), “Heavy Metals.”
