Study Reveals Lead in Protein Powders: What You Need to Know

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has uncovered concerning levels of lead in approximately two dozen popular protein powder brands. The nonprofit organization conducted tests on 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes over a three-month period starting in November 2023. The findings, released on March 15, 2024, indicate that more than two-thirds of the products tested contain lead levels exceeding what experts consider safe for daily consumption.

The report highlights that some products contained lead levels more than ten times higher than the recommended safety threshold established by Consumer Reports. Notably, plant-based protein powders exhibited lead concentrations averaging nine times higher than those made from dairy, and twice as high as beef-based options. According to Consumer Reports reporter Paris Martineau, while whey and dairy protein powders generally had lower lead levels, half of the products tested still contained enough lead to warrant caution regarding daily use.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), which represents the dietary supplement industry, responded by urging careful interpretation of the study’s results. They pointed out that modern testing methods can detect trace amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals, but this does not necessarily indicate a health risk. The CRN emphasized that exceeding Consumer Reports’ self-imposed threshold does not equate to surpassing government safety limits or posing a risk to consumers.

This study adds to a growing body of research examining heavy metals in various consumer products, including food items and supplements. Earlier this year, the Clean Label Project tested 160 protein products from 70 brands, finding that 47% exceeded California Proposition 65 safety thresholds for toxic metals.

Lead exposure is known to pose serious health risks, including reproductive issues, kidney damage, and cognitive impairment. While there is no recognized safe level of lead exposure, experts indicate that the most significant dangers come from prolonged exposure at high doses. Consumer Reports advises consumers to limit their intake of protein shakes but states that the majority of the products tested can be consumed occasionally without immediate harm.

Consumer Reports categorizes the tested protein powders based on their “level of concern” for lead, defining this as 0.5 micrograms per day—aligned with California’s Proposition 65 maximum allowable dose for lead. The organization recommends seven products as “better choices for daily consumption” and another 12 as “okay to eat occasionally.” Two products—Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer powder and Huel’s Black Edition powder—contain lead levels of 7.7 and 6.3 micrograms per serving, respectively, and are advised against for regular use.

In response to the findings, Huel, a British company producing plant-based meal replacement products, issued a detailed FAQ addressing the report. Huel argues that their trace mineral levels align with international safety standards and criticizes Consumer Reports for using Proposition 65 as a benchmark, which they claim is overly conservative.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided interim reference levels for lead exposure, recommending a limit of 2.2 micrograms per day for children and 8.8 micrograms for women of childbearing age. However, these are action levels for industry compliance rather than mandatory requirements. The FDA’s oversight of dietary supplements is limited; manufacturers are responsible for testing their products for contaminants, and the FDA can only intervene if issues arise post-market.

Consumer Reports advocates for the establishment of enforceable lead limits in food and supplements to enhance consumer safety. According to Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, the lack of enforceable standards allows unsafe lead levels to persist in the market.

For consumers navigating the protein powder landscape, Consumer Reports recommends avoiding products with California Proposition 65 warnings, which are easily identifiable by their bright yellow labels. They also suggest considering dairy-based protein options when available, and remind consumers that protein can be sourced from a variety of whole foods, such as Greek yogurt, nuts, legumes, and meats.

As Consumer Reports continues to call for stricter regulations, consumers are encouraged to remain informed and cautious in their dietary choices.