Consumer Reports tested 45 popular fruit juices and found half had high levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead. This is concerning, as some of these juices are marketed toward children, who, as studies show, are regularly consuming juice.
In fact, CR survey of 3,0002 parents found that over 80 percent of parents of children age 3 and younger give their kids juice . CR also found that 74 percent of their kids drank juice once a day, or more.
When exposed constantly to metal, people can develop risks for “lowered IQ, behavioral problems (such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), type 2 diabetes , and cancer, among other health issues.”
“Five of the juices we tested pose a risk to adults at 4 or more ounces per day, and five others pose a risk at 8 or more ounces,” said James Dickerson, Ph.D., CR’s chief scientific officer.
While metals are dangerous to children, that doesn’t mean they don’t harm adults.
In adults, repeated exposure to heavy metals can may increase the risk of certain cancers, and could eventually cause cognitive and reproductive problems.
How did the metals get in the juice?
According to the Food and Drug administration , metals are found in the environment and taken up by plants as they mature. Particularly, in air, water and soil. The FDA takes steps to reduce risks by metals we consume, particularly for children, who are more susceptible to negative neurological and developmental effects.
What juices should I limit or avoid altogether?
(CREDIT: CONSUMER REPORTS)
Potential risk at 1 cup (8 OZ) + a day:
- Gerber White Grape Juice
- Gold Emblem (CVS) 100% Apple Juice
- Gold Emblem (CVS) 100% Grape Juice
- Great Value (Walmart) 100% Juice, AppleRisk to children
- Great Value (Walmart) 100% Juice, Cranberry Grape
- Juicy Juice 100% Juice, White Grape
- R.W. Knudsen Organic Pear 100% Juice
- Trader Joe’s Organic Apple Juice
- Trader Joe’s Organic Apple Grape Juice
- 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods) Organic 100% Juice, Concord Grape
- 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods) Organic 100% Juice, Grape Cranberry
Potential risk at 1/2 Cup (4 OZ) + a day:
- Great Value (Walmart) 100% Juice, Cranberry Grape
- R.W. Knudsen Organic Just Concord Grape Juice
- Trader Joe’s Fresh Pressed Apple Juice, 100% Juice
- Welch’s 100% Juice with Antioxidant Superberry
- Welch’s 100% Grape Juice, Concord Grape
- Welch’s 100% Grape Juice, White Grape
- 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods) Organic 100% Juice, Concord Grape
Juice Boxes/Pouches- Potential Risk at more than one a day :
- Juicy Juice 100% Juice, Fruit Punch
- Minute Maid 100% Apple Juice
- Minute Maid 100% Juice, Fruit Punch
- Mott’s 100% Juice, Apple White Grape
- Trader Joe’s Joe’s Kids Apple Juice