A new investigation from Consumer Reports has revealed unsafe levels of lead and other harmful metals inside several brands of protein-based products.
The findings of the organization's study were revealed on Tuesday, as more than two-thirds of the products tested contained more than 0.5 micrograms of lead per day - the limit of what many experts believe is safe to consume in a 24-hour period.
"Protein powders and shakes have become immensely popular and are part of a daily routine for many people who are focused on consuming more protein in their diet," said Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports' director of food policy said after the findings were revealed.
"Our tests found that toxic heavy metal contamination in protein supplements is widespread and has worsened since we first analyzed these products 15 years ago."
Which Protein Products Were Affected?
The study found that on average, lead levels in plant-based products were up to nine times as high as the levels found in dairy-based proteins and twice as high as beef-based proteins.
Consumer Reports categorized several products, including Naked Nutrition's Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel's Black Edition as "products to avoid." Other products came with warnings for customers to reduce their intake, including Momentus' 100% Plant Protein and Garden of Life's Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein.
The legal threshold for lead in edible products at the federal level is not as strict as the recommended intake of 0.5 micrograms per day, as this limit is only enforced statewide in California due to Proposition 65. Federally, the FDA allows 8.8 micrograms per day for women of childbearing age and 2.2 micrograms for children.
Heavy metals occur naturally in both soil and water, but sites can be subject to additional risk and contamination. Pea and rice proteins are susceptible to this contamination more than other varieties due to their tendency to absorb metals from the soil.
How Can Consumers Protect Themselves?
In order to ensure they're using healthy supplements and powders, consumers are urged to carefully examine the protein-based products they purchase. Whey or collagen-based powders are preferred over plant-based options, vanilla or unflavored powder is likely safer than chocolate, and that powders are meant to be a supplement for food-based protein and not a replacement.
"Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't review, approve, or test supplements like protein powders before they are sold," Ronholm said.
"No one should have to worry that their protein shake could expose them to dangerous levels of lead. It's time for the FDA to protect the public and hold industry accountable by setting strong limits on lead in protein powders and shakes."
Some other products contained excessive levels of cadmium and inorganic arsenic, both categorized as human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.
After making changes earlier this year to regulate lead levels in processed baby foods, we'll see if the Food and Drug Administration follows suit with protein supplements when it resumes normal business.
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