What You Should Know About Heavy Metals in Protein Powders

What Was Found

Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes. More than two-thirds contained high levels of lead. Some products had lead levels more than 10 times what health experts consider safe for daily consumption.

Dairy-based products generally have lower lead levels, and plant-based protein powders have the highest levels.

Why This Matters

There’s no safe level of lead exposure. Most Americans already consume lead in their regular diet, and adding protein powder increases their total intake.

Some products also contain other unsafe metals, including cadmium and arsenic, which are linked to cancer.

Do You Need Protein Powder?

The average person needs about 0.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For a 170-pound person, that’s only 85 grams daily, and is easily obtained from foods like Greek yogurt and chicken.

Most people, including those following a vegan diet, get more than enough protein without supplements.

What You Can Do

Reduce your risk: Limit protein powder use and avoid daily consumption, especially of plant-based products.

Get protein from food: Beans, tofu, eggs, fish, chicken, and lean meats provide plenty of protein without the heavy metals found in supplements.

Check before buying: Look for products that publish their heavy metal test results.

Talk to your doctor: Before starting any supplements, ask your provider if you actually need them.

Remember, supplements aren’t regulated the same way as medications. Companies don’t have to prove their products are safe before selling them.

For more information on the study, visit Consumer Reports