A lot of cocoa products in the United States are loaded with concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study has said. The research, conducted by George Washington University, analyzed over 70 cocoa-based foods, including dark chocolate, which is often praised for your heart, over eight years.

The study found that 43 per cent of the products contained an amount of lead that was way beyond the permissible limits, and 35 per cent exceeded cadmium limits. However, a few organic products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. The study said contamination can also come from the soil and occur during manufacturing.

Scientists say even a single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. “We all love chocolate, but it’s important to indulge with moderation as with other foods that contain heavy metals, including large fish like tuna and unwashed brown rice,” said Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine and associate professor of clinical research and leadership at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

“While it’s not practical to avoid heavy metals in your food entirely, you must be cautious of what you are eating and how much,” added Frame.

High lead levels are also there in shellfish, organ meats, and foods or herbal supplements grown in contaminated soil or imported from countries with less regulation such as China, Nigeria, India, and Egypt, Frame said. Heavy metals make their way into chocolate through the cacao bean. Cacao trees absorb microscopic amounts of cadmium from the soil through the roots that build up in the cacao beans.

Exposure to lead, which causes lead poisoning happens when you get affected by high levels of lead, usually by eating or drinking, touching or breathing in the toxic metal. Experts say lead exposure can lead to life-threatening issues like:

• High blood pressure
• Brain function decline
• Kidney problems
• Reproductive health problems
• Severe headaches
• Stomach cramps
• Severe constipation
• Muscle and joint pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Irritability and loss of sex drive

Lead poisoning can affect anyone, but small children and babies under the age of 6 years are most at risk because their bodies are still developing and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the harmful effects of lead.

According to experts, acute inhalation exposure to cadmium results in flu-like symptoms like

• Chills
• Fever
• Muscle pain that can damage your lungs

According to doctors, chronic exposure can lead to kidney, bone, and lung disease.

Some seaweeds like hijiki, which are commonly used in seaweed salad, are of particular concern for cadmium. Also, extremely high levels of lead are also found in shellfish, organ meats, and foods or herbal supplements grown in contaminated soil or imported from countries with less regulation such as China, Nigeria, India, and Egypt, Frame said.