Toxic Metals in Protein Powders: Consumer Reports Raises Concerns

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports found that over two-thirds of protein powders tested contained unsafe or concerning levels of lead, with some products having lead levels 13 times higher than the recommended daily limit. This is particularly alarming in plant-based products, which showed higher levels of lead compared to their animal-derived counterparts. The average lead levels in protein powders have increased compared to similar tests conducted 15 years ago, leaving consumers at risk of ingesting toxic metals.

Key Takeaways:

• Of 23 protein powders tested, more than two-thirds (67%) contained lead levels above the recommended daily limit of 0.5 micrograms.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate and vet supplements, including protein powders, before they are sold to the public.
• Plant-based products, such as Naked Nutrition's Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel's Black Edition, had higher levels of lead compared to their animal-derived counterparts.
• The average amount of lead in protein powder products has increased compared to similar tests conducted 15 years prior.
• Fewer products had undetectable amounts of lead compared to 15 years ago.
• Two products, Naked Nutrition's Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel's Black Edition, had lead content so high that Consumer Reports advised the public not to consume them at all.
• Two other products, Garden of Life's Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous' 100% Plant Protein, contained enough lead that Consumer Reports safety experts recommended consumers limit themselves to one serving a week.
• According to Huel, its Black Edition protein powder contained an average of 1.8 micrograms of lead per 90-gram serving, which is lower than the 6.3 micrograms reported by Consumer Reports.

Statistics:

• 67% of 23 protein powders tested contained lead above the recommended daily limit.
• 15 years prior, only 52% of tested products had undetectable amounts of lead.
• The average amount of lead in protein powder products has increased by 25% compared to similar tests conducted 15 years prior.
• Lead is found naturally in the soil, but human pollution has increased its presence.
• The plants absorb lead from the soil and then it can be consumed in supplements made of plants.

Sources:

• Consumer Reports, "Toxic Metals in Popular Protein Powders"
• Pieter Cohen, internist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, email statement
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Huel, email statement
• Garden of Life, email statement
• Naked Nutrition, email (unresponsive)