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Heavy metal content in various types of candies and their daily dietary intake by children

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Abstract

Children are vulnerable to heavy metal contamination through consumption of candies and chocolates. Considering this representative samples (69) of candies and chocolates based on cocoa, milk and sugar were analyzed for selected heavy metals by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The average concentration of Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd was found to be 2.52 ± 2.49, 2.0 ± 1.20, 0.84 ± 1.35, and 0.17 ± 0.22 μg/g respectively. Results indicate that cocoa-based candies have higher metal content than milk- or sugar-based candies. The daily dietary intake of metals for children eating candies and chocolates was also calculated, and results indicated highest intake of Pb and Zn followed by Ni, Cd, and Cu. Comparison of the current study results with other studies around the globe shows that the heavy metal content in candies and chocolates is lower in India than reported elsewhere. However, to reduce the further dietary exposure of heavy metals through candies and chocolates, their content should be monitored regularly and particularly for Pb as children are highly susceptible to its toxicity.

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Capsule

Cocoa-based candies have higher heavy metal content than milk- and sugar-based candies; however, levels are acceptable compared to international standards.

Acknowledgments

RK would like to thank Department of Health Research (DHR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, for providing the Fellowship Training Programme in Environmental Health under Human Resource Development Health Research Scheme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, 125001, India

    Parmila Devi, Vandana Bajala & V. K. Garg

  2. Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, 160014, India

    Suman Mor

  3. Centre for Public Health, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160025, India

    Suman Mor

  4. School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, 160012, India

    Khaiwal Ravindra

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  1. Parmila Devi
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  2. Vandana Bajala
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  4. Suman Mor
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Correspondence to Khaiwal Ravindra.

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Devi, P., Bajala, V., Garg, V.K. et al. Heavy metal content in various types of candies and their daily dietary intake by children. Environ Monit Assess 188, 86 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-015-5078-1

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