Heavy Metals & Minerals Testing
As Oxigen Laboratories, we perform high-precision analyses of minerals and heavy metals in food, food additives, feed, and feed additives. The most frequently analyzed minerals include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, nickel, selenium, and manganese. In heavy metal analyses, toxic elements such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, tin, and mercury are examined. In addition, we carry out elemental testing under specific migration testing for plastic and ceramic food contact materials.
Importance of Minerals and Heavy Metals
Minerals are inorganic substances found in nature either combined with other elements or in pure state. The human body is composed of approximately 4% minerals. These minerals play a major role in the formation of blood and bones, proper functioning of nerve functions, strengthening of muscles, and balancing of body fluids.
Heavy metals are toxic elements that generally enter the environment through natural sources or human activities. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium can pose serious threats to human health when present in food products or water sources.