Traces of lead and cadmium may not only be contaminating cosmetics and jewelry marketed for kids, but St. John’s wort, one of the most popular supplements taken by Americans, according to a recent battery of tests conducted by ConsumerLab.com.

The concern is certainly a reasonable one, since the plant responsible for producing St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) can accumulate heavy metals from our environment.

Out of the 13 supplements listed by ConsumerLabs.com, just seven met their minimum standards. Four contained excessive amounts of either cadmium (greater than 0.3 mcg per gram of whole herb) or lead (0.1 mcg per gram of extract), and three had less than the expected amount of the compounds hypericin (a key ingredient in St. John’s wort) or hyperforin, ranging from 22-36 percent.

You’ll have a better understanding of what you’re really paying for in a supplement -- quality and safety -- and harmful substances you’ll want to avoid -- namely, cadmium and lead -- after reviewing CNCA’s Nutritional Supplement Quality -- The Facts.

ConsumerLab.com April 8, 2010 Subscription Required