Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mexican Dietary Supplements Using Total X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Health Risk Evaluation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study employed Total X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (TXRF) to analyze toxic heavy metals specifically lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) in 45 dietary sup-plement samples consumed by the Mexican population. A health risk assessment was conducted using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Cumula-tive Cancer Risk (CCR). The mean concentration of Pb, Cr, and As were found to be 1.99 ± 0.13, 26.88 ± 0.23, and 2.39 ± 0.11 mg/kg, respectively. The Estimated Daily In-take (EDI) of_Pb was below the reference levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for all dietary supplements analyzed. In contrast, some EDI values for Cr and As exceeded the recommended limits. The THQ for Pb was less than 1 for all supplements, indicating low noncarcinogenic health risk; however, THQ values greater than 1 were observed for Cr and As. The HI values ranged from 0.004 to 4.8, with individual assessments indicating significant noncarcinogenic health risks associated with certain products. Nevertheless, the Cumulative Cancer Risk (CCR) values exceeding 1 suggest potential carcinogenic hazards linked to these supplements. Effective communication of these risks to consumers is crucial for promoting informed choices regarding dietary supplements and enhancing public health.
Source: Foods
Institution: Autonomous University of Chihuahua
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W4415279031