Metal Contaminants Leached by the Lucky Iron Fish When Boiled in Deionized Distilled Water

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The Lucky Iron Fish® (LIF) is a reusable fish-shaped iron ingot that was developed to address iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in adults and young children under 5 years. The primary objective of this study was to determine the amount of iron and metals leached from the LIF. Methods LIF produced in Cambodia, Canada, and India were obtained from the LIF company for analysis. Ingots were used for the first time in this study. All equipment was cleaned prior to use. LIF were boiled in deionized distilled water with lemon juice for 10 and 60 minutes. Water samples were sent to a commercial laboratory for analysis. Results When boiled for 10 minutes, the Cambodia, Canada, and India LIF leached concentrations of iron greater than 68,600 ug/L. Quantities of heavy metals leached varied depending on where the ingot was manufactured. When boiled for 10 minutes, arsenic concentrations ranged from 2.5 ug/L to 4.7 ug/L in an India and Cambodia LIF. Chromium ranged from 4–80 ug/L in an India and Cambodia LIF, respectively. Similarly, lead leached ranged from 0.3 ug/L in a Cambodia LIF to 6.3 ug/L in an India LIF. Conclusions Despite high quantities of iron leached in water, it is unclear whether the quantity of absorbable iron leached from the LIF is enough to make a difference on iron stores of a young child. As research on the efficacy of the LIF has not been studied in this population. In addition, the potential harms of ingesting these heavy metals must be further investigated. Funding Sources None.