Toxic metals and essential elements contents in commercially available fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages from the United States

Elevated levels of toxic metals and essential elements in commonly consumed soft beverages are of public and regulatory agencies’ concern, and thus frequent monitoring of these elements is critically important. The study determined 25 elements in 60 soft beverages: single fruit juice, mixed fruit juice, plant-based milk, artificial/soda, and tea purchased in New Orleans, Louisiana, and commercially availabe in the United States. Elemental concentrations were determined using ICP-MS. The 95th percentile concentration ranges of the elements were: 0.06–5 µg/kg (Tl, Sb, Th, Pb, Cd, Co); 5–15 µg/kg (As, U, Se); 20–40 µg/kg (Mo, Li, Cr); 200–450 µg/kg (Ni, Ba, Cu); 1500–2000 µg/kg (Al, B); 4000–6000 µg/kg (Fe, Sr, Zn, Mn); and 125–2000 mg/kg (Mg, Na, Ca, K). Seven of the 25 elements—Ni, Mn, B, Cd, Sr, As, and Se—exceeded the drinking water standards in 38.3%, 36.7%, 16.7%, 5%, 5%, 3.3%, and 1.6% of the beverage samples, respectively. Aluminum and Zn exceeded the secondary non-enforceable drinking water standards in 40% and 6.7% of the samples, respectively. Mixed fruit juices and plant-based milk frequently contained elevated concentrations of most of the elements. While toxicity is unlikely unless individuals consume a large volume, moderating consumption of these beverages is required, especially to protect infants and young children. Regular monitoring of these chemicals in beverages is required for food safety and to provide sound nutritional advice.