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A new report from the Clean Label Project reveals that popular protein powders, especially plant-based, organic, and chocolate-flavored varieties, may contain high levels of lead and cadmium.
- Nearly half (47%) of the 160 products tested exceeded California’s Proposition 65 regulatory limits for lead.
- Plant-based powders contained three times more lead than whey-based powders.
- Organic powders had three times more lead and twice as much cadmium compared to non-organic powders.
- Chocolate-flavored powders had four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders.
The Council for Responsible Nutrition, an industry group, questioned the study’s methodology and findings. They pointed out that modern analytical techniques can detect even trace levels of naturally occurring elements, such as heavy metals, which are present in soil, air, and water. These trace levels are often well below established safety thresholds set by federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
There is no level of lead that is safe for humans, according to the EPA. Cadmium is a cancer-causing agent that is also toxic to human organs, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The Clean Label Project recommends that consumers who are concerned about heavy metal exposure in protein powder choose pea-based powders (for plant-based diets) or whey-based or egg-based, vanilla-flavored powders. They also encourage consumers to reach out to brands and inquire about their contaminant testing practices.
For more information on plant-based protein, please visit the American Heart Association website.
Is your protein powder safe?
This is a question that many people are asking themselves after a new report revealed that popular protein powders may contain high levels of lead and cadmium. While the Council for Responsible Nutrition disputes the findings of the study, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
If you are concerned about heavy metal exposure in protein powder, there are a few things you can do:
- Choose pea-based powders (for plant-based diets) or whey-based or egg-based, vanilla-flavored powders.
- Reach out to brands and inquire about their contaminant testing practices.
- Ask questions, demand answers.
By taking these steps, you can help to minimize your exposure to harmful contaminants in protein powder.
