Consumer Reports finds excessive amounts of lead in protein shakes
Consumer Reports is urging the FDA to set strict limits on lead in protein powders and drinks in light of its new investigation that found concerning levels of toxic heavy metals in tested samples.
The nonprofit analyzed 23 protein powders and shakes and found that more than two-thirds of them contained more lead in a single serving than its experts estimate can be safely consumed in a day — in some cases, more than ten times.
“Protein powders and shakes have become extremely popular and part of the daily routine for many people who want to get more protein in their diet,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports. “Our testing found that toxic heavy metal contamination in protein supplements is widespread and has gotten worse since these products were first analyzed 15 years ago.”
As a result, Consumer Reports launched a petition calling on the Food and Drug Administration to take action once the government shutdown ends.
Ronholm continued, “No one should have to worry that their protein shake could expose them to dangerous levels of lead. It’s time for the FDA to protect the public and hold the industry accountable by setting strict limits on lead in protein powders and shakes.”
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, the FDA does not review, approve, or test supplements like protein powders before they are sold. Federal regulations also generally do not require supplement manufacturers to prove that their products are safe, and there are no federal limits on the amount of heavy metals they can contain.
No exposure to lead is considered safe, but the greatest danger comes from repeated or continued exposure, especially at high doses.
Children and pregnant women are most vulnerable because lead can damage the developing brain and nervous system, which can lead to neurological problems, learning delays and behavioral problems. Chronic lead exposure has been linked to immune suppression, reproductive problems, kidney damage, and high blood pressure in adults. Because lead persists in the body, even small amounts can accumulate over time and contribute to health risks.
Consumer Reports tested a range of best-selling dairy, beef and plant-based protein supplements, including protein powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes. About 70 percent of the products tested contained more than 120 percent of the group’s level of concern for lead, or 0.5 micrograms per day.
Two plant-based protein powders contained enough lead that the organization’s experts recommended against consuming them. Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer powder contained 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving, which is about 1,570 percent of CR’s level of concern for the heavy metal. One serving of Huel’s Black Edition powder contained 6.3 micrograms of lead, or about 1,290 percent of Consumer Report’s daily lead limit.
Two other powders contained lead between 400 and 600 percent of Consumer Report’s level of concern. Garden of Life Organic Sport Plant Protein and Momentous 100% Plant Protein. Consumer Report experts advise users to limit their consumption to once a week.
Lead levels in plant-based products were, on average, nine times higher than those found in those made with dairy-based proteins, such as whey, and twice as high as those made from beef. Dairy-based protein powders and shakes generally contained the lowest amounts of lead, but half of the products tested still had levels of contamination high enough that its experts recommended against their daily use.
“There is no reason to panic if you have taken one of the products we tested, because many of these protein powders can be used occasionally and none of them will cause immediate harm,” said Tunde Akinleye, the food safety researcher who led the testing project. “But regular users of protein supplements should consider reducing their intake.”
Two other products exceed CR’s level of concern for cadmium, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency. One serving of Huel’s Black Edition plant-based protein powder contained 9.2 micrograms of cadmium, more than double the level that public health authorities and Consumer Report experts consider harmful, 4.1 micrograms. Vega’s Premium Sport brand powder contained enough cadmium that one serving would also put you just above that level.
Consumer Reports also detected 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic, a known human carcinogen according to the EPA, in a single serving of Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass whey protein powder, double the limit its scientists say is safe to consume daily.
For a more detailed explanation of CR’s findings, the company’s responses, and advice for consumers to avoid harmful exposure to lead found in protein supplements, see Protein powders and shakes contain high levels of lead.
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