Some Ayurvedic medicines sold online contain heavy metals.
An analysis of Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the internet found one-fifth to contain levels of lead, mercury or arsenic that exceed acceptable standards.Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical system. Since 1978, more than 80 cases of lead poisoning associated with Ayurvedic medicine use have been reported worldwide. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found one-fifth of both US-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines purchased via the internet contained detectable lead, mercury or arsenic.
Medicines that are supposed to cure sickness should not promote another illness due to the presence of toxic materials such as lead, say the authors. They suggest strictly enforced, government-mandated daily dose limits for toxic metals in all dietary supplements and requirements that all manufacturers demonstrate compliance through independent third-party testing.
Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A, Khouri N, Davis RB, Paquin J, Thuppil V, Kales SN. Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the internet. Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008; 300(8): 915-23.
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| Author: | Thompson, June |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Community Practitioner |
| Article Type: | Brief article |
| Geographic Code: | 1USA |
| Date: | Oct 1, 2008 |
| Words: | 165 |
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