Understanding the Ka'chava Lead Controversy
Ka'chava is a popular superfood shake blend marketed as a convenient way to get a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from nutrient-dense whole foods. However, the product has recently come under scrutiny due to concerns about potential lead contamination.
What is Ka'chava?
Ka’chava contains a proprietary blend of superfoods like chia, flax, algae extracts, camu camu, and more. The shake mix aims to provide plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients from ingredients associated with benefits like anti-inflammatory effects, gut health promotion, and antioxidant activity.
The company behind the product, Ka'chava Inc., promises their formula can help with goals ranging from healthy weight management to workout recovery and brain function optimization. Their marketing highlights the power of phytonutrient-rich foods.
Trace Lead and Ka’chava: Cause for Concern?
In August 2022, lab test results commissioned by NutraIngredients-USA found detectable levels of lead in multiple Ka’chava products. Tests showed 1.3-4.5 mcg of lead per 20-gram serving.
These are trace amounts well below limits considered dangerous. The FDA limit where companies must work to reduce levels is 75 mcg total lead per day for adults from food and drink.
However, registered dietitian Cara Harbstreet notes that we don’t have any known safe lead exposure level. Even tiny amounts can contribute to cumulative exposure that may have subtle adverse effects.
Lead in Our Food Supply
Lead makes its way into many crops and foods via historical use, contaminated soils, industrial pollution getting absorbed by plants, wear and tear of plumbing and machinery, runoff from lead-based pesticides no longer approved for agricultural use, and more.
Testing in 2019 and 2020 found around 20% of tested baby foods contained detectable lead levels. 80% had cadmium present. Other recalls have involved lead-contaminated turmeric and juices.
Considering that various everyday foods contain small amounts of heavy metals, levels around 1 to 5 mcg per serving may not be unusual or specific to Ka’chava.
Evaluating Potential Health Risks
With no evidence that the detected amounts of lead come from a contaminant inherently associated with Ka’chava's ingredients or production, the concern stems more from the cumulative effect of consuming additional lead from a nutritious food.
Those enjoying a predominantly whole foods diet centered around produce, legumes, whole grains and less processed fare tend to ingest less lead than the average American. Adding servings of a food with detectable lead simply isn’t ideal if avoidable.
While periodic or individual intakes likely pose little risk, for those drinking Ka’chava shakes routinely, the added traces of lead could contribute to higher overall exposure than ideal.
Ka'chava's Response and Reformulation
Ka’chava Inc. reports working with an accredited third-party lab to replicate the commissioned tests. The company notes that levels amount to mere fractions of regulatory and safety thresholds.
They further explain that ingredients like cacao and vanilla can have higher likelihood of carrying trace heavy metals absorbed from soils. Still, they take all feedback seriously and are working to reformulate Ka'chava shakes to completely eliminate detectable levels of lead.
Ka’chava’s team strives to provide the cleanest, safest, highest quality ingredients. Their goal is to create nutritious products that consumers can enjoy with full confidence in their safety.
Avoiding Lead Exposure from Food
When considering foods and powders marketed for health, check any publicly available testing before regularly consuming a product. Seek options with a strong commitment to ingredient purity and contaminant testing.
Focusing on whole, minimally processed plant foods and maintaining good gut health may also limit absorption of trace toxins. Staying informed and carefully evaluating your diet allows enjoying foods like nutritious shakes without excess worry.
While recent Ka’chava lab results showed lead amounts well under daily limits, their proactive reformulation efforts demonstrate responsiveness to consumer concerns. Their actions exemplify the commitment to ingredient safety and quality people should expect from the health food industry.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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