Heavy Metal Analysis
How we test for contaminants and what the numbers mean.
What are heavy metals?
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in soil, water, and air. Four are tested in supplements because they can accumulate in the body over time: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg). Even trace amounts matter when you take a supplement daily.
Why does it matter?
Chronic low-level exposure to heavy metals has been linked to neurological, kidney, and cardiovascular issues. Supplements can be a source of exposure because raw ingredients (herbs, minerals, oils) absorb metals from the environment during growth and processing.
What we test for
Lead (Pb)
Most common contaminant. Even very low levels are a concern. We benchmark against California Prop 65 (0.5 mcg/day).
Cadmium (Cd)
Found in soil near industrial areas. Accumulates in kidneys. Prop 65 limit: 4.1 mcg/day.
Arsenic (As)
Can enter through water used in processing. We test for inorganic arsenic (the harmful form). Prop 65 limit: 10 mcg/day.
Mercury (Hg)
Primarily a concern for fish-derived products. We test all products regardless. Prop 65 limit: 0.3 mcg/day.
Our benchmarks
We compare results against three internationally recognized safety standards. The strictest limit varies by metal:
- Prop 65 California Proposition 65. The strictest consumer safety standard in the world for contaminants.
- EU EFSA European Food Safety Authority limits. The standard for products sold in the EU.
- EPA Tap Water US Environmental Protection Agency drinking water limits. Included for context - our products consistently test far below tap water levels.
How we score it
Heavy metal safety contributes 35 out of 100 points to our Quality Score. The score is calculated based on how far below safety limits each metal tests. Lower levels = higher score. A perfect 35 means all metals are at or near zero.