Heavy Metals in Wine
a statement from R Curtis Ellison MD and Yuqing Zhang MD , DSc, Boston University School of Medicine
Investigators from the UK reported in June, 2008, that wine may contain high levels of heavy metals. This new paper published on-line yesterday by the same group has received a huge amount of media coverage and questioned the health aspects of moderate wine consumption. Of particular concern to some has been the statement in the paper that "the finding of hazardous levels of metal ions which can be pro-oxidants leads to a major question mark over the protective benefits of red wine." This statement is not a logical inference from the data presented in the paper.
The reported levels of heavy metals should be investigated further, and steps taken to reduce their levels if they are indeed found to high in well-conducted analyses. However, the scare headlines in much of the lay media questioning the potential health benefits of moderate drinking is a gross misrepresentation of the results of this study, and may be causing unnecessary fear in many people. The epidemiologic data have consistently shown that moderate drinking is associated with considerably lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as lower risk for many of the other diseases of ageing and for total mortality.
Customers with questions, or wishing to have the levels of heavy metals checked in their products, are advised to contact us directly to discuss their requirements.
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