Association between Metals Found in Hair and the Consumption of Candies in a Children Population

Abstract

T he presence of heavy metals in food is a significant contamination concern. This issue is compounded by inadequate dietary practices, especially in early childhood. Contaminant metals have been previously documented in candy goods. Furthermore, these products possess elevated sugar levels, facilitating the onset of common ailments, including obesity and dental disorders. Candy consumption among children is notably prevalent. This study analysed the presence of Ag, Al, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, and V in hair samples from 215 youngsters using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The examined population often ingested one or two units of specific candy goods daily. Following a Kruskal-Wallis test on non-normally distributed data, we detected significant variability in the metal content of hair samples. A statistically significant (p<0.05) albeit modest association (0.01-0.40) was detected for the concentrations of Ag, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Pb, Sr, and Tl in the hair of participants who ingested two or more units daily of specific candy types. The findings indicate that the metals identified in children’s hair predominantly derive from the routine consumption of daily foods. Nonetheless, specific confectionery items may serve as an additional source of contaminating metals. Due to their elevated calorie density, absence of vital nutrients, and presence of harmful metals, regular consumption of confectionery items is inadvisable.