Celebrating World Soil Day
Dec 12, 2023
Celebrating World Soil Day
December 5th was World Soil Day. It’s a celebration of dirt because quality soil keeps our ecosystems, economy, and food sources healthy. Most importantly, soil impacts the nutritional value of your favorite foods and supplements. Sadly, soil quality has deteriorated so dramatically that in 1950 you could meet your RDI for vitamin A with two peaches. Today, you’d need 53 peaches! While the good elements of soil are declining, the bad are rising and the risk of heavy metal contamination in foods and dietary supplements may be increasing. Research in the journal Toxicology Reports has raised concerns about the presence of heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in protein supplements.
Understanding the Risk
Heavy metals, naturally present in the environment, can find their way into food or supplements through soil and water contamination. This contamination is especially concerning in plant-based supplements that have become an increasingly popular choice among health-conscious athletes and consumers. Paradoxically, the research found that plant supplements have a higher burden of these contaminants than animal-based products. While moderate levels of heavy metals are a part of our natural environment, excessive daily exposure can lead to health issues, including neurotoxicity, kidney damage, and even carcinogenesis. While these plant-based proteins often show higher levels of heavy metals, this doesn't immediately translate to a health risk at typical consumption levels. Dietary supplements are required to have specifications that include limits on contaminants like heavy metals, but if the quality control process isn’t strong enough issues may arise. The growing concerns surrounding heavy metals underscores the importance of vigilance and regular testing.
BSCG Third-Party Certification Helps Address Quality Concerns
Supplement quality control is often a black box that leaves consumers flying blind. But with third-party certification comes added protection. At BSCG, the certification process includes a rigorous review that verifies ingredient and finished product specifications and testing for heavy metals or other contaminants to ensure appropriate limits are in place. Certification also includes testing for over 500 banned substances for maximum drug testing protection. The path to ensuring the safety of supplements is twofold. First, it involves educating consumers and manufacturers about the risks of heavy metal contamination or other concerns. Second, and most crucially, it requires appropriate specifications and testing to avoid the concerns. Third-party certification that includes a focus on contaminant control can be an important part of the solution. This World Soil Day, let's not just acknowledge the problem but become part of the solution by choosing to make, and take, supplements that are third-party certified by reputable organizations like BSCG. Together, we can ensure that the journey towards health and wellness is safe and sustainable and free of harmful contaminants.
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