Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mexican Dietary Supplements Using Total X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry and Health Risk Evaluation

Abstract

This study used Total X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (TXRF) to analyze toxic heavy metals, specifically lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr), in 45 dietary supplement samples consumed by the Mexican population. A health risk assessment was performed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Cumulative Cancer Risk (CCR). The mean concentrations of Pb, Cr, and As were found to be 1.99 ± 0.13, 26.88 ± 0.23, and 2.39 ± 0.11 mg/kg, respectively. For Pb, 80% of dietary supplements showed low EDIs compared to the reference value of 1.08 × 10−4 mg/Kg bw/day set by the FDA. For Cr, 100% of the analyzed products had EDIs below the limit of 0.3 mg/Kg bw/day established by EFSA. Additionally, some dietary supplements of animal origin had EDIs exceeding the reference value of 6 × 10−5 mg/kg bw/day set by the Integrated Risk System and EFSA for daily arsenic intake. When evaluating the variables THQ_Pb, THQ_Cr, and THQ_As using mean comparison tests to determine whether they exceeded the reference value of 1, we found that, in general, the available statistical evidence is insufficient (p > 0.05) to conclusively state that the dietary supplements under review surpass this reference parameter. Regarding HI values, the Animal and Vegetable category showed higher values than 1. All dietary supplements had CCR values in ranges greater than 1 × 10−4, indicating a probability of an individual developing cancer over their lifetime due to metal exposure. Effectively communicating these risks to consumers is crucial for promoting informed choices and improving public health.