title: Cadmium in zinc-containing mineral supplements.
abstract: Seven zinc-containing dietary supplements were analyzed for zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). Cadmium was detected in all samples; however, the amount of Cd per 15 mg Zn (the daily US Recommended Dietary Allowance) varied by over 37-fold (0.039 to 1.46 micrograms Cd/15 mg Zn). Supplements with Zn in the form of a gluconate consistently contained the lowest amounts of Cd. Because Cd is a non-essential potentially toxic element for humans, its concentration in nutritional supplements should be minimized and possibly regulated by government-established standards.
authors.affiliation: Applied Research Institute, PO Box 1925, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Krone
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Wyse
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Ely
mesh_terms: D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis*; D004340:Drug Contamination; D006801:Humans; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D015032:Zinc / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D002104:Cadmium; D015032:Zinc