Survey of metals and other elements in dietary supplements

The Food Standards Agency has conducted a survey of 13 elements in dietary supplements. Two hundred samples were analysed for aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, thallium and zinc.

The aim of the study was to provide up-to-date information on the levels of metals and other elements in a range of the available products and to identify any food safety concerns.

Two hundred dietary supplements were bought from a variety of supermarkets, pharmacies and health stores in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as from mail order and Internet companies, including non-UK companies.

All samples were analysed for aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, thallium and zinc.

A number of products contain levels of iron, manganese and zinc that are above those recommended by the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM). Excessive doses of these products could be harmful to some people.