(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- An analysis of a sample of Ayurvedic herbal medicine products (HMPs) found that 20 percent had toxic levels of metals like lead, mercury and arsenic if they were taken as directed.

Ayurveda is a medical system that originated in India more than 2,000 years ago and produces a large amount of HMPs. The study authors explain that because the HMPs are marketed as dietary supplements, they are regulated by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which does not require proof of safety or efficacy prior to marketing to the public.

Recent reports of serious lead poisoning resulting from taking Arurveda’s HMPs motivated Robert B. Saper, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues to examine them. From April to October of 2003, they purchased 70 different Ayurvedic HMPs at Boston-area stores that were imported from South Asia. They then measured concentrations of lead, mercury and arsenic.

Researchers determined the potential amount of daily metal ingestion by following manufacturers’ dosage recommendations. They then compared these amounts to U.S. regulatory standards and found 20 percent of the 70 HMPs contained lead, mercury and/or arsenic that would have resulted in heavy metal intake above regulatory standards. Also, half of the HMPs containing potentially toxic metals were recommended for children.

The study authors say, “Although the prevalence of heavy metal-containing Ayurvedic HMP use is unknown, the number of individuals at potential risk is substantial.” They suggest public health and community organizations should consider giving advisories to current and previous users of these HMPs.

They also call for reform of DSHEA that would require mandatory testing of all imported dietary supplements for toxic heavy metals.