Why Heavy Metals are Present

Prop 65 warnings website explains that it does not mean that the product is unsafe; it is a “right-to-know” California law, not a product safety ban.

In California, we are exposed daily to the following heavy metal environmental contaminants:

    Air 4.0mcg/daily
    Water 5.0mcg/daily
    Food 20 – 90mcg/daily

Eurofins Research: The amounts of heavy metals we are all exposed to on a daily basis:
Lead 0.5mcg/da
Arsenic 10mcg/da
Cadium 4.1mcg/da
Mercury 0.3mcg/da


Why are heavy Metals Present? 

  • Environmental Contamination: Herbs can absorb lead from contaminated soil or water during growth.
  • Processing Issues: Lead may be introduced during the drying, grinding, or preservation phases, especially in inferior medicinal materials.
  • Intentional Use: In some historical or traditional contexts, lead compounds were added for specific sedative, cosmetics or skin-treating effects.

Key Factors Influencing Metal Content.

  • Plant Age: As a perennial plant, heavy metals tend to accumulate more the longer it grows.
  • Part of the Root: Heavy metal concentrations are often higher in fiber roots compared to the main taproot.
  • Geography & Soil Quality: Contamination levels in soil vary by region, directly impacting the amounts of metals the plant absorbs.
  • Processing: Some studies show that soaking herbal roots for at least 30 minutes can help reduce the content of certain heavy metals. 


Key Risk Factors

  • Source Location: Contamination varies by soil and water quality in the country of origin.
  • Organic vs. Conventional: Organic certification does not require heavy metal testing, and organic herbs may still contain metals from the soil. That is why we must always do third-party testing on all ingredients in our formulations.
  • Plant Part: Roots and leaves generally accumulate more metals than fruits or seeds.
  • Adulteration: In some cases, lead-based dyes are added to spices like turmeric and paprika to improve market appearance. 


Heavy Metal Contaminants

Heavy metal contamination in herbs is a widespread issue stemming from soil quality, irrigation water, and industrial processing. Testing by consumer advocacy groups and scientific studies have identified several common single herbs that frequently contain concerning levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. 

Herbs Frequently Found with High Contaminants 
These herbs are often categorized as "high concern" or "some concern" because multiple tested brands exceeded safe daily intake limits for heavy metals. 

  • Thyme: Frequently found with high levels of lead and cadmium across almost all tested brands.
  • Oregano: Consistently ranks among the most contaminated, with high levels of lead and arsenic detected in many commercial samples.
  • Basil: Often contains concerning levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium, though some "no concern" brands exist.
  • Ginger: Ground ginger is a common source of lead and arsenic contamination, though some organic varieties have tested cleaner.
  • Turmeric: High risk for lead contamination, sometimes due to economic adulteration with lead chromate to enhance its yellow color.
  • Cumin: Known to accumulate nickel and lead, with several brands showing "some concern" for daily consumers.
  • Paprika: Can be contaminated with lead and arsenic; historically, it has been a target for dangerous lead-based color additives. 


Herbs Used in Traditional Medicine

Research on medicinal plants frequently reveals metal accumulation in specific plant parts (roots, leaves, or bark) that are concentrated for health supplements. 

  • Chamomile: Known for its tendency to accumulate cadmium.
  • Sage: Often shows high concentrations of lead and zinc.
  • Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Can contain significant levels of toxic metals depending on where the root is harvested.
  • Parsley: Frequently tests high for lead, particularly when sourced from industrial or heavily irrigated regions.
  • Mint: While generally lower in cadmium, it often contains elevated levels of iron and lead. 


Herbs with Lower Recorded Contamination 

While no agricultural product is guaranteed to be 100% free of trace metals, the following single herbs and spices consistently test in the "low" or "no concern" categories: 

  • Black Pepper
  • Coriander
  • Garlic Powder
  • Saffron
  • Sesame Seeds
  • White Pepper 

 

Does Ginseng, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, Maca or Licorice contain Heavy Metals?

Yes, adaptogens may contain heavy metals, primarily because they are root plants that absorb elements directly from the soil as they grow. Studies have frequently detected heavy metals in both raw adaptogens and commercial supplements, though levels often remain within established safety limits for adult consumption. 

Commonly Detected Heavy Metals 
Adaptogens and its extracts have been found to contain several heavy metals, including: 

  • Copper (Cu) & Zinc (Zn): Often found at the highest concentrations, sometimes due to the use of specific fertilizers or pesticides.
  • Lead (Pb) & Cadmium (Cd): Frequently present in the soil and absorbed by the roots; lead has also been linked to contamination during transportation or storage.
  • Arsenic (As) & Mercury (Hg): Detected in many extract samples, though typically at lower levels.
  • Others: Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Manganese (Mn), and Aluminum (Al) are also sometimes reported. 

 

Key Factors Influencing Metal Content

  • Plant Age: As ginseng is a perennial plant, heavy metals tend to accumulate more the longer it grows (typically harvested at 5–6 years).
  • Part of the Root: Heavy metal concentrations are often higher in fiber roots compared to the main taproot.
  • Geography & Soil Quality: Contamination levels in soil vary by region in each country, which directly impacts the amounts of metals the plant absorbs.
  • Processing: Some studies show that soaking adaptogens for at least 30 minutes can help reduce the content of certain heavy metals. Drinking them in teas, tisanes, elixirs, tonics or soups can lessen one’s exposure as well, versus swallowing supplements.

 

Safety and Recalls

While most products pass safety standards, some brands have faced issues. For example, testing by ConsumerLab.com has previously identified brands with high levels of lead, and some ginseng products have been recalled for exceeding lead and cadmium limits. Regulatory bodies like the Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy set limits to monitor these risks.

 

Understanding the Challenges with Heavy Metals

Heavy metals in organic, natural and manufactured products are a concern, responsible agricultural and manufacturing practices can significantly reduce risks, giving companies an opportunity to choose better, lower-risk ingredients. This involves careful sourcing of ingredients, herbs, roots, stems, flowers and berries from crops grown in areas with minimal pollution. It also includes implementing proper purification processes to remove contaminants when possible and adhering to stringent quality control procedures (i.e. testing). Implementing regular testing of both raw ingredients and final products for heavy metals is crucial to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards for health and wellbeing.

By adopting these practices, manufacturers can minimize the risk of heavy metal contamination in food and supplements, providing consumers with safe, high-quality products. While heavy metals are a natural part of our environment, responsible and ethical practices can ensure that their presence in food and supplements remains at safe and acceptable levels.


Challenges in Regulation and Advocacy

Efforts to regulate heavy metals face significant hurdles:
⦁ Unrealistic Limits: Proposed limits, such as the Baby Food Safety Act’s 5 ppb lead limit, were deemed impractical by scientists and regulators. These levels are so low that it would arguably require ultra-processed foods, avoiding nutrient-dense whole foods and mineral-rich foods.
⦁ Political Disagreements: Differing priorities on government oversight often stall progress. For example, debates over whether the federal government should impose stricter limits or allow states to set their own guidelines have delayed meaningful reforms.
⦁ Existing Guidelines: While FDA guidelines are practical, they may not adequately protect vulnerable populations. Advocacy for more stringent but achievable limits is essential.

 

A Balanced Approach
Advocacy efforts should aim for achievable limits that prioritize safety while considering industry capabilities. Broader strategies, such as addressing soil contamination, improving water quality, and regulating industrial emissions, are essential for long-term solutions.

 

Ensuring Safety through Testing Procedures
At VRONI we conduct rigorous testing at multiple stages:
⦁ Raw Ingredients: We have an internal auditing process for all incoming raw materials to ensure the quality of the ingredient and adherence to safety standards related to all things, including heavy metals. This is all validated by a strict testing standard that adopts for all our products.
⦁ In-House Testing: Ingredients are tested for metals and other contaminants to prioritize human safety, health and wellbeing.
⦁ Third-Party Testing: This is the most critical step. Final products undergo independent testing through an ISO-certified lab to confirm that heavy metals are below California Prop 65 levels. Not all labs are created equal, so we only use ISO-certified labs that use appropriate testing methodology, sample collection, and reporting. 


Transparency in Reporting

We display results in micrograms per capsule and daily serving sizes to ensure clarity in exactly what you are getting in our product. This approach aligns with Prop 65 standards, emphasizing our commitment to consumer safety. We avoid using less consumer-friendly metrics, such as parts per billion (ppb), in favor of straightforward, understandable reporting. Note that ppb is most helpful when you don't have a known serving size or serving size varies, such as spinach or water. In the case of our products, there is a defined serving dosage. 

By understanding the sources, risks, and regulations of heavy metals, you can make informed choices to protect your health. Transparency, responsible practices, and advocacy for realistic regulations are key to minimizing exposure in our food and supplements. At VRONI, our commitment to quality control and transparency in our testing has not waived since the company was founded in 2006. We take the responsibility of making safe, effective products very seriously.  

 

Understanding Heavy Metals in Food and Supplements
⦁ Heavy metals are natural but increasingly prevalent due to industrial and agricultural activities, posing potential health risks.
⦁ Exposure occurs through food, water, air, and consumer products, and excessive levels can overwhelm the body's detoxification system.
⦁ Reducing exposure includes rinsing and soaking food, filtering water, and choosing rigorously tested products.
⦁ Regulations vary globally, with the FDA setting U.S. guidelines and California Proposition 65 enforcing the strictest limits.
⦁ VRONI upholds the highest safety standards through multi-stage heavy metal testing and a commitment to transparency.

 

What Are Heavy Metals?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in the Earth’s crust, soil, and water. Common examples include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. While trace amounts are unavoidable and typically harmless, modern industrial activities—like mining, traffic emissions, and agricultural runoff—have significantly increased their prevalence in our environment. These metals can infiltrate the food chain, accumulating in plants, animals, and, eventually, humans.

In high concentrations, heavy metals pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. For example, lead exposure can impact brain development in children, while mercury can harm the nervous system. At VRONI we prioritize rigorous testing of our products, ensuring they meet strict safety standards to minimize exposure. As a reproductive health company that makes products for women and their partners, including those who are trying to get pregnant, pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding, we take an extremely conservative approach to safety by adopting and adhering to the most conservative standards that exist solely to protect the health and well-being of you, the consumer. We will never release a product that doesn’t pass our strict specifications and quality control process. This ensures the highest level of safety and trust for our customers.

 

How Do Heavy Metals Enter Our Bodies?

Heavy metals can enter the body in multiple ways:
⦁ Food and Water: When it comes to food and water, some crops and seafood are more vulnerable to contamination than others. For instance, rice absorbs arsenic from the soil more easily than wheat, and larger, long-lived fish often accumulate higher levels of heavy metals. This doesn’t mean we need to avoid these nutritious foods entirely; rather, it emphasizes the importance of strict monitoring and regulation in industrial and agricultural practices. In the sections that follow, you’ll find practical tips for minimizing risks associated with foods naturally higher in heavy metals.

A note on minerals and why they shouldn’t be avoided:

Despite these trace contaminants, minerals remain essential to a healthy diet. They are critical for numerous bodily functions, including bone health, oxygen transport, and enzyme activity. The body requires a delicate balance of minerals, and deficiencies can lead to significant health problems. For instance, iron is vital for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells, while calcium supports strong bones and proper nerve function. High-quality, tested dietary supplements can provide these benefits while minimizing potential heavy metal exposure. In other words, while trace amounts cannot be avoided entirely, proper testing ensures the levels remain 1000 times lower than levels known to cause harm. 
⦁ Airborne Particles: Industrial emissions, fossil fuel combustion, and traffic pollution contribute to heavy metal exposure via inhalation. California’s coastal air is contaminated with mercury and acidic aerosols; sulfur and nitrogen oxides which dissolve into precipitation. 
⦁ Urban and Highway Runoffs: From vehicle fluids such as motor oil, tire and break dust that contain heavy metals that enter storm drains and local waterways during the rains.
⦁ Wildfire Burn Scars: Rain hitting burn areas carries toxic ash containing lead, arsenic, asbestos and carcinogenic debris.
⦁ Consumer Products: Items like paints, cosmetics, personal care products, cookware, and even some dietary supplements may contain excessively high amounts of heavy metals due to insufficient regulation and testing. 


Human Negligence

Human activities, such as improper disposal of industrial waste, overuse of fertilizers, and lack of stringent testing in manufacturing, exacerbate heavy metal contamination. For example, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers with cadmium or lead contaminate water supplies. These factors highlight the importance of choosing products from transparent and responsible companies that take extra steps to ensure safety. At VRONI, we have an internal auditing process for all incoming raw materials to ensure the quality of the ingredients and adherence to safety standards related to all things, including heavy metals. This is all validated by a strict testing standard that VRONI adopts for all our products. While we choose to do the right thing, everyone should demand the need for federal and global regulation because corporate and human activities are creating an environment where it is next-to-impossible to meet your nutritional needs without some exposure to heavy metals. 


Additional Pathways

Heavy metals are also introduced into the food chain through industrial practices such as mining and smelting. This is particularly concerning for seafood, as fish and shellfish can accumulate mercury and arsenic from polluted waters. Another overlooked source is household dust, which may contain lead particles from older paint or contaminated soil. Checking your home for lead paint and asbestos are important safety steps you can take that is within your control.


Detoxification and the Human Body

The good news is that the human body has detoxification mechanisms, primarily through the liver and kidneys. These organs filter toxins and heavy metals, converting them into compounds that can be excreted. However, these systems have limits:
⦁ Low-Level Exposure: The body can usually manage minimal exposure without significant harm.
⦁ Heavy Exposure: Prolonged or excessive exposure can overwhelm detox pathways, leading to bioaccumulation in tissues and organs. This can result in chronic health conditions, such as kidney damage, neurological disorders, or developmental delays in children.


Balancing the risks

While it’s true that no level of heavy metal exposure is entirely safe, it’s also unavoidable due to the ubiquity of these elements in the environment. A close comparison is what we now see with microplastics. Microplastics and their associated contaminants have been found in human organs, tissues, amniotic fluid, and breast milk. It is an alarming yet inescapable reality. Our collective focus should be on minimizing our daily exposure, simultaneously with enhancing and supporting our detoxification processes. This is the most important thing we can do that is within our control. 


Practical Strategies to Reduce Heavy Metals

⦁ Rinse Foods: Soaking and rinsing foods like rice can significantly reduce arsenic content. 
⦁ Filter water: High-quality water filters can also minimize lead and cadmium levels in drinking water.
⦁ Choose Thoroughly Tested Products from Transparent Brands: Look for brands that conduct third-party testing through ISO-certified labs, ensuring their products meet strict standards for heavy metal limits. ISO certified means that an organization has met the requirements of an ISO standard, which is a globally recognized benchmark for quality, safety, and sustainability. Also, look for published data from these third-party tests and results from individual product batches et lots, instead of relying on third-party certifications that have more lax testing standards, influencers, or watchdog groups. 
⦁ Nutrient Support: Include foods rich in natural chelating agents, such as cilantro, garlic, and chlorella. Note that while leafy greens may contain heavy metals from the soil, they are also rich in chlorophyll, which naturally helps bind heavy metals so that our body can remove them efficiently. Additionally, nutrients like selenium, zinc, and vitamin C can support the body’s detoxification processes. Even though heavy metals such as mercury are found in fish, you'll also find relatively high levels of selenium coexisting in these foods. A balanced diet with these foods can enhance resistance to heavy metal accumulation.
⦁ Reduce Exposure at Home: Avoid using products with known contaminants, such as old lead-based paint, asbestos or low-quality cookware.

 

Understanding The Regulatory Landscape

U.S. Standards
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provide guidance on safe levels of heavy metals intended as a framework rather than a strict mandate:
⦁ Interim Reference Levels (IRLs): Updated in 2022, these levels recommend 2.2 μg/day of lead for children and 8.8 μg/day for women of childbearing age (WOCBA). These levels are designed to protect vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, from harmful exposure.
⦁ Closer to Zero Initiative: This program aims to reduce heavy metal exposure in baby food, with a particular emphasis on lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. The goal is to reduce dietary exposure to these naturally occurring contaminants to as low as possible while maintaining access to nutritious foods. 


Global Standards

Regulations vary by region. For instance:
⦁    Health Canada: sets more conservative limits for heavy metals in supplements and baby food than the U.S., reflecting stricter safety thresholds.
⦁    European Union: Maintains some of the most stringent regulations worldwide for food and supplement contaminants. The EU frequently updates its guidelines to reflect the latest scientific research.

Here is a look at how lead, specifically, is handled by different organizations:

 


California Proposition 65

California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) establishes limits on chemical exposure that are far stricter than federal and even all other global guidelines, applying safety factors 1,000 times lower than the level at which no adverse effects have been observed. Products exceeding these thresholds are required to include warning labels, though they are not prohibited from sale. While the intention behind Prop 65 is to enhance consumer protection, its stringent standards can create confusion when they diverge from federal guidelines set by agencies like the FDA and EPA. This discrepancy has been noted to potentially cause unnecessary alarm among consumers. VRONI is committed to ensuring our products are lower than Prop 65 limits for heavy metals as much as possible. 

Organizations like the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) advocate for unified, science-based federal standards that protect public health while maintaining practicality and consistency across all states. Federal agencies already oversee food and dietary supplement manufacturing, including stringent protocols for testing and monitoring heavy metal content. Aligning state and federal guidelines could improve clarity and reduce the risk of misinterpretation for consumers.

Prop 65, enacted in 1986, requires businesses to disclose the presence of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. It sets stringent limits for heavy metals:
⦁ Lead: Maximum allowable dose level (MADL) is 0.5 μg/day.
⦁ Cadmium: MADL is 4.1 μg/day.
⦁ Mercury: Although not officially listed, the approximate exposure levels of 0.3 μg/day for organic mercury and 3.0 μg/day for inorganic mercury is a reference.
⦁ Arsenic: The maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for arsenic is not listed; however, the No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) is 10 μg/day.

Proposition 65 provides a model for stricter regulation but also highlights the challenges of achieving ultra-low limits in natural products, especially those derived from plants and marine sources.

 

FDA Dietary Advice for Consumers

Because many nutrient-dense foods naturally absorb trace amounts of heavy metals, the FDA explicitly advises against completely avoiding major food groups. Instead, the agency recommends feeding children a wide variety of foods. Rotating between different grains (like oats, barley, and rice) and different vegetables limits the risk of over-exposure to any single localized contaminant while ensuring balanced nutrition.  

Based on these concerns, FDA has prioritized heavy metals,  and the most vulnerable populations in its Closer to Zero plan which “identifies actions the agency will take to reduce exposure to toxic elements from foods eaten by babies and young children-to as low as possible” using a science-based, iterative approach for continual improvements.

 

Environmental Defense Fund

EDF has prioritized three heavy metals – arsenic, cadmium, and lead – because significant opportunities exist to reduce their levels in food through improved best practices. Their work to reduce exposure to lead in food is synergistic with their other effort to reduce lead exposure. While mercury is a potent neurotoxin, the primary way we are exposed through food is by consumption of fish; opportunities to reduce those levels through best practices other than selecting different types of fish are limited.

Key health concerns associated with exposure to heavy metals:
⦁ Lead: Impaired brain development and lower IQs in children; cardiovascular disease; and cancer.
⦁ Inorganic arsenic: Impaired cognitive development in children; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; and cancer.
⦁ Cadmium: Kidney disease; cardiovascular disease; and cancer. A better understanding is needed of the neurological impacts of cadmium exposure.