Dr. Roach: Multivitamins have been shown to be contaminated with metals

Dear Dr. Roach: My family doctor said to stay away from multivitamins because they contain metal contaminants. Is this true, and is it good advice?

— J.K.

Dear J.K.: Your doctor is correct that many multivitamins have been shown to be contaminated with heavy metals. For example, in a recent article on prenatal vitamin and folic acid supplements, 80% contained quantifiable lead, while 15% had a greater amount than 0.5 mcg per serving (the limit from California's Proposition 65).

Unfortunately they did not specify which brands are the ones without detectable heavy metals, but the article noted that supplements also containing calcium or iron were more likely to be contaminated. The article noted that products using an independent lab (such as the United States Pharmacopeia or the Nation