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Jan. 14, 2025
A recent study by the Clean Label Project (CLP), a nonprofit focused on consumer safety, has uncovered alarming levels of lead and heavy metals in over-the-counter protein powders. The findings reveal that several products exceed government food safety limits, posing potential health risks to consumers.
The study tested 160 protein powder products from 70 leading brands, representing 83% of the market. Among its findings, organic protein powders were shown to contain three times more lead and twice the cadmium levels than their non-organic counterparts. Chocolate-flavored powders were particularly concerning, with up to four times more lead than vanilla and as much as 110 times more cadmium.
Health Risks Highlighted
Both lead and cadmium are toxic heavy metals with serious health implications. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that no level of lead is safe for human consumption. Cadmium, classified as a carcinogen, can harm vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and brain, as well as the respiratory and reproductive systems.
“This study serves as a wake-up call for consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and regulators alike,” the CLP report stated. It also emphasized the lack of comprehensive federal regulations for heavy metals in dietary supplements and urged the industry to adopt proactive measures to address contamination.
A Glimmer of Good News
On a positive note, the report observed a significant reduction in bisphenols—hormone-disrupting chemicals linked to developmental issues in young children—compared to a similar 2018 study. Bisphenols were detected in only three of the tested products, down from 55% in the earlier analysis.
Industry Pushback
However, the findings have sparked criticism from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), an association representing supplement manufacturers. The CRN raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the CLP’s contamination thresholds.
“Without such clarity, consumers and industry stakeholders cannot fully evaluate the validity of the claims,” said Andrea Wong, the CRN’s senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs, in a statement to CNN.
Consumer Awareness Urged
The report has reignited debates over safety standards in the dietary supplement industry. While the findings highlight the potential dangers lurking in protein powders, they also call attention to the need for stricter regulations and greater accountability from manufacturers.
For now, experts suggest that consumers remain vigilant, check product labels, and prioritize transparency in choosing dietary supplements.
