Understanding Prop 65

You may wonder how concerned you should be if you've come across a Proposition 65 (Prop 65) warning on food or supplements. Prop 65, originally established in California, warns consumers when products contain certain chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This includes toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which have been shown to accumulate in the body over time, leading to potential cellular damage, inflammation, and disrupted hormonal balance.^[1]

Why Lead and Cadmium Are a Big Deal

Prop 65 commonly warns about heavy metals in foods and supplements, especially lead and cadmium. Here’s why they matter:

• Lead: Even trace lead levels can disrupt cellular health, cause neurological damage, and impact organ systems over time. Children are particularly sensitive, with a daily tolerance limit of only 2.2 micrograms, which, if exceeded, can lead to long-term health effects. For adults, the threshold is slightly higher at 12.5 micrograms, but minimizing exposure remains important given that there’s no truly “safe” level of lead.^[2]
• Cadmium: This heavy metal is commonly absorbed by plants from the soil, making it difficult to avoid in certain foods. Long-term cadmium exposure is linked to kidney and bone issues and can disrupt the body’s antioxidant defenses. Accumulating cadmium from repeated dietary exposure contributes to oxidative stress, which can damage cellular function.^[3]

How Does Prop 65 Work for Food and Supplements?

When you see a Prop 65 warning label on food, it means the product contains more than 0.5 micrograms of lead or other toxic chemicals, which exceeds California’s strict daily safety limits. While the label doesn’t indicate the exact quantity present, it warns that levels are high enough to exceed the limit if you consume the recommended serving.

Making Safer Choices

While Prop 65 labels are a helpful starting point, they don’t give consumers the full story on what’s in their food or supplements. To minimize exposure, consider these tips:

1. Look for Transparent Brands: Some companies perform third-party heavy metal testing and disclose results. Opting for brands that openly share testing information allows you to control better what’s in your diet.
2. Rotate Foods Regularly: Heavy metal exposure accumulates with the repeated consumption of the same foods, so varying your diet is a good way to lower your overall intake of specific contaminants.
3. Limit Foods with High Heavy Metal Risk: Root vegetables, leafy greens, and grains are more likely to contain heavy metals due to their growth in soil. Look for organic, washed options whenever possible, and choose mycotoxin-tested coffee, as mycotoxins can also carry heavy metals.
4. Filter Drinking Water: Water can contain heavy metals, so using a high-quality water filter can reduce your exposure to this essential source.

Understanding Prop 65 for Long-Term Health

Prop 65 may seem strict, but it’s a helpful tool for consumers interested in reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances. A cautious approach is essential, as heavy metals like lead and cadmium accumulate in the body, where they can impair cellular health over time. By staying informed, selecting products from transparent brands, and reducing reliance on foods with high heavy metal content, you’re better positioned to make choices that support your long-term health.

1. About Proposition 65.https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/about-proposition-65. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
2. Wani, Ab Latif, et al. “Lead Toxicity: A Review.” Interdisciplinary Toxicology, vol. 8, no. 2, June 2015, p. 55.
3. Rahimzadeh, Mehrdad Rafati, et al. “Cadmium Toxicity and Treatment: An Update.” Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine, vol. 8, no. 3, Summer 2017, p. 135.