The benefits of collagen supplements for skin, joints, hair, and overall health have contributed to their increasing popularity. However, you may be worried or perplexed if you recently purchased a collagen product and saw a lead warning label. Lead is a known hazardous heavy metal, so why would it be included in a health-promoting product?
Let’s examine the science and facts behind the lead warning associated with collagen, its potential dangers, and what consumers should be aware of.
Why Is Lead a Concern, and What Does It Mean?
One heavy metal that occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust is lead. Humans are poisoned by it, particularly when exposed to high concentrations or for an extended period of time. Almost all of the body’s organ systems can be impacted by lead, which is especially dangerous for Lead Warning
- The nervous system
- The reproductive system
- The kidneys
Development of the brain (particularly in fetuses and children)
Lead levels in food, water, and supplements are regulated by organizations such as the FDA and EPA due to these hazards. Lead Warning
Why Is Lead Present in Collagen Products?
The majority of collagen supplements come from animal connective tissues and bones, such as those from fish, cows, pigs, and chickens. The role of lead is as follows:
- Small amounts of lead can be absorbed by animals raised for food from their surroundings, such as soil, feed, or water. Their bones, which subsequently produce collagen, may become accumulated with this lead.
- Sources for Bone Broth and Collagen: Collagen is frequently taken from the skin and bones, and regrettably, lead tends to build up in bones in both humans and animals.
- “Natural” Does Not Mean “Pure”: Because lead is found in the environment, collagen derived from “grass-fed,” “organic,” or “wild-caught” sources may still contain trace levels of lead. Lead Warning
What Does the Label’s Lead Warning Mean?
If you come across a label that reads
This product contains lead, a chemical known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, according to the State of California. Lead Warning
This is because of California’s Proposition 65 law, which mandates that businesses warn consumers about products that contain even trace amounts of lead and other chemicals.
It’s important to keep in mind that this does not necessarily indicate that the product is dangerous; rather, it indicates that it contains levels of lead that must be disclosed following California law, which is far stricter than federal limits. Lead Warning
How Much Lead Is Too Much?
Very small amounts of lead, which are usually regarded as safe when used normally, are permitted by the FDA in dietary supplements. A warning is required by Proposition 65 if.
The product exposes users to more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per day.
However, depending on the product type and user age, the FDA typically permits up to 10 micrograms of supplements per day. Lead Warning
This means that even if a product satisfies FDA safety regulations, it may still need a Prop 65 warning if it is sold in California.
Is It Still Safe to Take Collagen?
The trace levels of lead in collagen supplements are thought to be insignificant for the majority of healthy adults, especially when taken as prescribed. Lead Warning
- However, you can reduce risk by doing the following:
- Purchase from reputable companies that conduct heavy metal testing.
- Verify third-party certifications and testing.
- Steer clear of products with unidentified sources or extremely low-quality collagen.
- Reduce further exposure to lead from other sources, such as water, outdated paint, and imported cookware.
Before taking any supplement with a lead warning, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should speak with their doctor.
Conclusion
Although it can be concerning to see a lead warning on your collagen product, it does not always indicate that you are in danger. The warning is not an indication that the product is intrinsically dangerous; rather, it is frequently the consequence of stringent state labeling regulations.
The risk of trace lead exposure is very low if you use collagen that has been third-party tested and is of high quality. However, it’s always a good idea to be informed and cautious, especially when it comes to your health.
