As part of a Congressional investigation, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released information this week that found that nearly all of the herbal dietary supplements tested had trace amounts of Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, or Cadmium.   While these were not found to exceed current legal limits, these metals were still present in measurable amounts.  Additionally, 16 of the 40 supplements tested were found to contain Pesticides that were above legal limits.  Some manufacturers even made illegal claims to cure cancer or other diseases.

How can this happen? Under current Federal law, manufacturers are not required to obtain FDA approval for dietary supplements.  Also, many of these supplements are manufactured in China, and it has be confirmed by independent laboratories that many have quality control problems.  Although Congress will soon vote to change the law,  provisions to restrict supplements to FDA approved components will not be included.

What can I do? Be very careful what supplements you give you’re children.  If you give any supplements to your children, check with your pediatrician first.  They may not be necessary, and you could inadvertently be giving them something containing heavy metals and/or pesticides.

Source: NY Times, May 25th, 2010.  Study Finds Supplements Contain Contaminants.