The reports of increasing environmental pollution in water, air and food continue unabated – substances that accumulate in our bodies and are linked to various illnesses. More and more studies paint a clear picture. A recent US study has now even found heavy metals in tampons, including those sold in our region.
16 Metals Found in Tampons: What the Study Shows
Arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury and many more: a research team from the USA published results on the contamination of tampons. They analysed products from 14 well-known manufacturers across 18 product lines and five different absorbency levels. All 16 metals tested were detected in all tampons analysed – in some samples at elevated concentrations. According to the study, the highest concentration was zinc, which can also be problematic in large amounts. The study does not name specific brands but notes that three of the tampons tested are also available in Europe.
"Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for." – Jenni A. Shearston, lead author of the study
"Although toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to small amounts at all times, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products, and that women may be at higher risk when using them." – Kathrin Schilling, co-author of the study
Even supposedly ecological products did not consistently perform better: concentrations differed, but metals were detected in all variants. Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, while organic ones showed higher arsenic levels.
How Pollutants Enter the Body
The mucous membranes in the intimate area are particularly sensitive and can absorb substances easily. The research team suspects that manufacturing errors – such as contaminated raw materials or the use of metal compounds for odour control – may contribute to the contamination. Important context: the study detects metals in the product; how much of that is actually absorbed by the body is not yet conclusively established.
Independent of tampons, numerous studies show that drinking water, air and industrially produced food are increasingly contaminated with heavy metals. Contamination with toxic metals is therefore a growing issue that goes far beyond individual product groups.
A Healthy Gut as a Protective Factor
The gut and liver in particular play an important role in the absorption and elimination of pollutants. When heavy metals are taken in via food, water or air, they enter the digestive tract, where some can pass into the bloodstream. A healthy gut and an intact liver can help eliminate some of these substances before they enter the body.
A heavy burden can, however, damage the intestinal barrier and increase the absorption of toxic substances – which in turn puts additional strain on the liver. Relieving the gut is therefore a sensible approach.
Targeted Gut Detox with PANACEO BASIC DETOX
Our PANACEO BASIC DETOX with the special PMA-Zeolite can, according to the manufacturer, bind heavy metals in the gut and support their elimination. The PMA-Zeolite acts like a sponge in the gastrointestinal tract and binds pollutants selectively; these are then excreted via the stool. This can reduce the body's overall burden of toxic metals and relieve the gut, liver, kidneys and immune system. The dolomite it contains also supports the need for calcium and magnesium in a natural way.
Good to know
BASIC DETOX binds heavy metals in the digestive tract – so it acts on intake via food, water and air. The tampon-related exposure described in the study involves a different absorption route; here, mindful product choice is what matters most. A gut detox does not replace that decision.
PANACEO BASIC DETOX
Certified medical device with PMA-Zeolite – can bind heavy metals in the gut and support their elimination. As powder or capsules.
Discover BASIC DETOXConclusion
The growing heavy-metal burden in our environment makes a mindful approach to everyday products more important than ever. A healthy, relieved gut is a sensible building block for reducing the body's overall burden of toxic substances – PANACEO BASIC DETOX with PMA-Zeolite can support this.
Source: Shearston, J. A. et al. (2024): Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s. Environment International. sciencedirect.com
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. BASIC DETOX is a medical device for binding pollutants in the gut. If you have health complaints or a concrete suspicion of heavy metal exposure, please consult your doctor.