Does Juice Have Heavy Metals?

Consumer Reports tested 45 different juices on the market and found elevated levels of heavy metals — cadmium, lead, mercury and inorganic arsenic — in 21 of them, according to a new report. Seven of the juices could be harmful to children who drink more than a half cup a day, while nine may be hazardous to kids who drink 1 cup a day or more.

Heavy metals have been found in your fruit juice! Consumer Report tested a large sample of fruit juices and found almost half to contain arsenic, cadmium and lead.

• Grape juice and juice blends had the highest average heavy metal levels. • Juice brands marketed for children did not fare better or worse than other juices. • Organic juices did not have lower levels of heavy metals than conventional ones.

A recent report put together by the team of retail experts at Consumer Reports found that many popular kids’ fruit juices contain alarming amounts of heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead.

Grape juice and juice blends had the highest average heavy metal levels, possibly because grapes take up heavy metals more than other fruits, Dickerson said. Juice blends often have grape juice as a primary component. Organic juices didn’t have lower levels of heavy metals.

A new study from Consumer Reports found that 21 of 45 fruit juices tested had concerning levels of heavy metals. That means they contained amounts that could harm habitual juice drinkers even if they drank fairly typical quantities each day.

They found that more than half of their samples had elevated levels of heavy metals. The samples included popular products such as Juicy Juice, Honest Kids, Minute Maid, Welch’s, and Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value. Stay up to date on what healthy means now.

CR even tested some of the exact same juices in 2011 as in 2018; in most of them, heavy metal levels declined, sometimes sharply. For example, the inorganic arsenic level in Gerber’s 100% Apple Juice dropped by 79 percent since 2011, and its lead level dropped by 97 percent.

Kids’ Fruit Juices Contain ‘Concerning Levels’ of Heavy Metals, According to New Report. A recent report put together by the team of retail experts at Consumer Reports found that many popular kids’ fruit juices contain alarming amounts of heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead. As described in the report,

But there’s another, lesser-known health risk with these juices: They may also contain potentially harmful levels of arsenic, cadmium, and lead, according to new tests from Consumer Reports.

What are the risks of heavy metals?

Risks include a lower IQ, behavior problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among many other health issues, CR says.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4 to 6 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day for kids younger than 6, and 8-12 ounces for ages 7 to 18.

Jan. 30, 2019 — Nearly half of 45 fruit juices tested had elevated levels of heavy metals, which can pose health risks for children and adults, Consumer Reports has found.

Other major conclusions: There is no scientific evidence indicating that the presence of trace levels of heavy metals in juice has caused any negative health outcomes among individuals at any life stage. Patricia Faison, technical director of the Juice Products Association.

What about pure fruit juice with no added sweeteners? It’s true that 100% fruit juice is a good source of nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. The problem is that too much juice can be an extra source of sugar and calories. Juice also doesn’t contain the same fiber and phytonutrients that raw fruits have. That’s why many experts recommend sticking to one juice serving per day.

Drinking your veggies is convenient and good for you. The lycopene in tomato juice may help lower the risk of prostate cancer. Beet juice may help curb blood pressure. Pulpy vegetable juice has some fiber (but not as much as raw vegetables); and fiber cuts hunger. You also get far less sugar and fewer calories than in the typical fruit juice. Check the sodium, though, or choose a low-salt version.

Their main ingredients are usually water, small amounts of juice, and some type of sweetener, such as high-fructose corn syrup. Nutritionally, these drinks are similar to most soft drinks: rich in sugar and calories, but low in nutrients. Water is a better choice.