A mini-documentary video explaining the Metals Retention Factor in more detail is available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlzJwUGmP98
The existence of MRF means that many previous assumptions about foods and food toxicity are false. Previously, the assumption was the foods are fully broken down during digestion to release 100% of their elemental composition, but Adams' research shows that foods, herbs and even dietary supplements actually retain a percentage of each toxic element found in their composition.
For example, one Traditional Chinese Medicine product tested by Adams retains around 70% of the lead it contains. Kelp granules tested by Adams retain 7% of the arsenic and 79% of the uranium they contain (http://labs.naturalnews.com/Kelp_Granules_Maine_Coast...). Wheat flour retains nearly 12% of the aluminum it contains (http://labs.naturalnews.com/Wheat_Flour_Hodgson_Mill...), and dried squid retains almost one-third of the toxic cadmium it contains (http://labs.naturalnews.com/Saki_Ika_Squid_Wel-Pac...).
In general, whole, raw, unprocessed foods have been found by Adams to retain much higher quantities of toxic elements, while cooked, processed or refined foods have been found to retain very low quantities of toxic elements and heavy metals. The retention of toxic elements is aided by insoluble fibers as well as natural "ionic affinities" for certain elements. For example, most seafood products (fish, shrimp, scallops, etc.) have a natural affinity for binding with cesium. This actually creates an increased risk for seafood in the Pacific Ocean to absorb radioactive cesium-137 being washed into the ocean from the Fukushima catastrophe.
Adams' discovery of the MRF means that liquid mineral supplements and vitamin / mineral powders need to be carefully looked at with additional testing to ensure they are not contaminated with toxic elements and heavy metals. Mike Adams is currently conducting comprehensive research on liquid minerals, fresh juice, fresh produce and vitamin powders in order to document their MRF numbers and elemental composition.
Metals Retention Factor data for hundreds of foods, superfoods, beverages and dietary supplements is in the process of being published at Labs.NaturalNews.com
