The contamination of food with certain metals needs to be urgently addressed in light of growing evidence linking trace elements to negative human behaviour, according to a lead researcher in the field.
Metals and other elements can be found in food either naturally, as a result of human activities (such as farming, industry or car exhausts), from contamination during manufacture/processing and storage, or by direct addition.
It has long been known that excessive amounts of any metal could be potentially dangerous, but there is now also strong evidence that some trace elements can contribute to aggressive or anti-social behaviour, said Neil Ward, professor of chemistry at the UK’s University of Surrey.
Certain metals and some elements like copper, manganese and zinc are nutrients essential for health, while the rest, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury have no known beneficial effects.
Lead has been linked to anti-social behaviour, partly because it contributes to nutrient depletion. Aluminium has also been linked to anti-social behaviour because it competes for the binding sites of biochemical receptors of other metal ions, such as iron and zinc. Zinc deficiency is also thought to occur as a result of ingestion of certain food colours, and has been linked to hyperactive behaviour or ADHD in children.
Source: Nutra Ingredients, 25 March 2009
Chapter: Health :: 5 May 2009
