Eating chocolate may not be as harmless as it seems. This Thursday, the UFC-Que Choisir calls for consumers to “moderate your consumption“, especially in children, due to a presence”non -negligible“Cadmium, a heavy metal capable of increasing the risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Cadmium: Station at the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer!
According to the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Labor Health Safety (ANSES), the reference toxicological value for cadmium has been set to “0.35 Cadmium microgram per kilogram of body weight per day“. This metal accumulates in the body and chronic exposure can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular pathologies and cancer. In early June, liberal doctors had already alerted to the massive contamination of the French in cadmium. In question, the phosphate fertilizers used in agriculture, which contaminate soils and are then found in breakfast cereals, bread or potatoes.
Last January, Dr. Pierre Souvet, cardiologist and president of the Health Environment France association (ASEF), launched the alert: “Cadmium is a heavy carcinogen metal, an endocrine disruptor that alters DNA and creates oxidative stress for cells. This is why there would be a link between this molecule and pancreatic cancer “. A risk confirmed by Public Health France which estimated in 2021 that Cadmium “Accumulates in particular in the pancreas and is suspected of playing a role in the major and extremely worrying increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer“In addition, this substance could also increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and fertility problems in adults.
“”In France, almost half of the adult population has a level of cadmium concentration higher than that recommended by the National Health Safety Agency (ANSES)“Denounced the cardiologist. Indeed, 47% of the population is in this situation, and 18% of children.
What chocolate products are the most concerned?
According to the UFC-Que survey Choose, a portion of 50 g of Bjorg cookies filled with dark chocolate represents 20 % of the reference toxicological value in a child, compared to 8 % for an adult. For 46 g of Chocapic, the share climbs to 11 % for a child and 5 % for an adult. A simple cup of chocolate powder powder large intense aroma 70 % cocoa already reaches 17 % in children and 7 % in adults.
The brands react: Bjorg and Carambar & Co (owner of Poulain) confirm these contents, while Nestlé explains that Cadmium is not added in its products, but that it can be “present in the state of traces in certain raw materials“.
This food accumulation explains why, even respecting the regulatory limits, consumers remain exposed to a real health risk. The association specifies that, even if each product respects the regulatory limits, it remains possible to “Going out the tolerable daily dose by consuming several products containing cadmium in the same day“.
The particular case of organic chocolate
UFC-Que Choisir draws attention to organic tablets, often richer in cadmium. The advice given to consumers: favor organic chocolates “whose beans are not imported from Latin America“, Regions where the soil is particularly loaded with this metal.
How to reduce your exposure to cadmium?
To limit exposure to cadmium, our expert recommends eliminating products likely to contain it from his diet. The doctor has stopped consuming cereals, unless they are organic. “”I replaced pasta and rice with organic wholemeal bread. Research has shown that eating organic can reduce cadmium exposure by 48 %“. Regarding children, a France public health study indicates that”The consumption of cereals at breakfast increases cadmium levels in the body“.
The doctor also advises to favor a fiber -rich diet. Finally, he highlights the importance of not having deficiencies, especially in iron, calcium and zinc. “”As a cardiologist, I do not recommend taking food supplements without medical advice. It is best to consult your doctor to carry out the necessary dosages and adjust the intake as required“, He concludes.