High Levels of Lead Have Been Found in Protein Powders and Cinnamon Products
A Consumer Reports investigation recently found that two-thirds of protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes tested contained dangerously high levels of toxic metals.
This follows a number of warnings issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding ground cinnamon products containing potentially dangerous levels of lead, including Ground Cinnamon from HAETAE and Roshni (October 10, 2025) and Durra and Wise Wife (October 8, 2025) just last month.
At the time of writing, 16 ground cinnamon products were included in the alert. The listed items had varying levels of lead concentrations, ranging from 2.03 to 7.68 parts per million (ppm). The agency’s advice is to “discard and do not purchase these ground cinnamon products.”
So far, no adverse health effects have been reported, but the FDA said: “If you suspect a person has been exposed to high levels of lead, talk to your doctor. Most people have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure.”
“Consumers who experience symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care,” the FDA continued.
Learn more: Ancient human brains adapted from exposure to lead poisoning, providing an evolutionary advantage
Lead found in protein powders
According to a report led by Consumer Reportsprotein powders and shakes tested today contained higher levels of lead than those tested 15 years ago. Not only is the average level of lead in these products higher than in the past, but fewer products tested contained undetectable levels of the heavy metal.
In total, 23 products were tested. These included dairy, beef, and plant-based supplements containing 20 to 60 grams of protein in each serving.
The team found that a single two-thirds serving of these products would exceed the limit of what the consumer group considers safe to consume each day. Plant-based products fare particularly poorly compared to dairy-based products, with some containing as much as 1,600 percent of what Consumer Reports considers a “lead concern level” — an amount equivalent to 0.5 micrograms. (This is consistent with recommendations from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.)
The levels found in Naked Nutrition Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel Black Edition were so high that the consumer group recommends avoiding them altogether.
What are the health risks associated with lead contamination?
Adverse health effects associated with lead are normally the result of long-term exposure lasting months or years. Too much lead in the body is known to increase the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, kidney damage and even death.
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, with some studies suggesting that they absorb three times as much ingested lead as adults (5 to 15 percent versus 53 percent). Exposure can cause neurological damage that can permanently impact a child’s brain development, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral problems, even in the absence of obvious symptoms.
Although there is no known safe exposure level, the interim reference level (IRL) for lead given by the FDA is currently 3 micrograms per day in children and 12.5 micrograms per day in women of childbearing age.
This article does not offer medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
Learn more: Lead poisoning remains a major problem — here’s how it impacts our health
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