In an effort to find healthier sweeteners, many manufacturers are turning to organic brown rice syrup. However, this shift may be introducing high levels of inorganic arsenic (which is toxic at high levels of exposure) into products such as toddler formulas, energy bars, and gel-like energy “shots.” Dartmouth researchers have documented levels in formulas as high as 6 times the Environmental Protection Agency limits for safe drinking water. On the positive side, only two formula products were found on the market, meaning that the number of children using them is probably low.
PositiveTip: It would probably be wise to limit your exposure to brown rice syrup or products containing it until more is known.