Environmental

Cadmium and lead in cocoa/chocolate

Environmental factor.

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Precautions

Take special care in children and pregnancy.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Heavy metals in chocolate

harms Moderate study (A)

Analysis of cocoa products in the US: cadmium and lead appear frequently and increase with the cocoa percentage (more in dark chocolate). It is advisable to moderate very dark chocolate, especially in children and pregnancy, and to vary brands/origins.

View the study (study) →

In depth

Environmental · Highest evidence: Moderate · 1 finding

⚠️ Take special care in children and pregnancy.

Findings

Heavy metals in chocolate — harms (Moderate, study). Analysis of cocoa products in the US: cadmium and lead appear frequently and increase with cocoa percentage (more in dark chocolate). It is advisable to moderate very dark chocolate, especially in children and pregnancy, and to vary brands/origins. 29310543

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.