A new report found harmful heavy metals like lead and cadmium in many protein powders

New Report Finds Lead and Cadmium in Protein Powders. How Much Should You Worry? Here's what experts want you to know

• A new report found higher-than-acceptable levels of the harmful metals cadmium and lead in many protein powders.
• Organic, plant-based, and chocolate-flavored protein powders had the highest levels of contamination.
• Experts say you likely won’t be impacted by low amounts of protein powder, but the safest option is to get your protein from whole foods.

Protein powder is a popular supplement, with everyone from social media influencers to fitness buffs saying it helps them build muscle and meet macronutrient goals. 

But a new report raises concerns about the safety of these supplements, finding that many protein powders have higher-than-acceptable levels of the toxic heavy metals cadmium and lead.

Lead is linked with brain and central nervous system damage, along with developmental issues in children, while cadmium can interfere with kidney function and bone health and may raise the risk of developing certain cancers.

The report, conducted and released by the nonprofit Clean Label Project, which tests products for environmental and industrial toxins, found the highest amount of metals in plant-based, organic, and chocolate-flavored powders.

While this is undoubtedly unwelcome news, you might be wondering just how worried you should be—and if it’s time to find a different protein source. Here’s what experts think.

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What Did the Report Find?

Researchers at the Clean Label Project purchased 160 products from 70 of the most popular brands of protein powder. (The organization did not disclose the names of the products purchased and analyzed.)

The samples were then sent to an independent laboratory, which ran nearly 36,000 tests on 258 contaminants, including a slew of heavy metals, phthalates, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (also known as PFAS or forever chemicals), and bisphenols BPA and BPS.

Researchers found BPA and BPS in just three of the protein powders tested, a significant drop from the organization’s previous study on protein powders in 2018.

But that wasn’t the case with heavy metals. The researchers discovered that 47% of the protein powder samples exceeded lead and cadmium guidelines set by California’s Proposition 65, a law requiring businesses to warn Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that can cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Over 20% contained levels twice as high as Prop 65 guidance.

In general, organic products had higher levels of heavy metal contamination, with three times more lead and twice the amount of cadmium compared to non-organic products. Chocolate-flavored protein powders contained more cadmium, with some containing up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders.

“This study serves as a wake-up call for consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and regulators alike,” the report stated.

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Criticism of the Report

The report has limitations, however. “Reports like those issued by the Clean Label Project often lack critical context and risk misleading consumers rather than empowering them,” Andrea Wong, PhD, of the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade association for the dietary supplement and functional food industry, told Health.

Crucially, the report doesn’t provide the actual lead and cadmium levels detected in the powders, added Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a toxicologist at MedStar Health. “So it remains unclear whether the amounts of metals detected are enough to cause human harm,” she said. (When asked by Health in an email to clarify the levels found, Jaclyn Bowen, MS, MPH, the Clean Label Project’s executive director, provided a general summary of the research findings.)

Jeff Ventura, the Council for Responsible Nutrition’s vice president of communications, insinuated that the Clean Label Project may have financial motivation for producing critical reports. 

Companies pay a fee for their products to be analyzed by the Clean Label Project, which offers them a certification if standards are met. Organizations like this “run certification and award programs that they sell to the same industries they criticize,” Ventura told Health. “These arrangements benefit from raising consumer anxiety about the products…and in turn, persuade more companies to invest in the associated testing.”

But Bowen pushed back at those allegations.

“Our reports are designed to raise awareness about important public health issues and drive meaningful change in the industry, not to serve as a revenue source,” she told Health, noting that participation in the organization’s certification program is voluntary. “Any revenue generated through the certification program supports CLP’s continued research, advocacy, and public education efforts.”

What Should You Do?

The report's significance depends on who you ask. According to Darin Detwiler, LPD, author of the book “Food Safety: Past, Present, and Predictions” and a professor at Northeastern University, the general public should be “concerned” about the finding.

“These incidents point to a troubling pattern of systemic supply chain risks, as heavy metals often enter the food supply through contaminated soil, water, or processing equipment, particularly in imported ingredients,” he told Health. “Chronic exposure to even small amounts of heavy metals can lead to significant health risks, including developmental delays in children and chronic diseases in adults.” 

But Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, told Health that while it's important people are aware of the findings, there’s likely no reason to panic.

“Although there is no ‘safe’ level of lead, we are constantly exposed to low levels of heavy metals, and our body is able to deal with this accordingly,” she said. If you’re not getting the majority of your daily calories from protein powders, “you will likely not be significantly impacted."

There are no federal limits for the amount of lead and cadmium in most foods. But Johnson-Arbor noted that, generally speaking, "state-specific heavy metal regulations used by the Clean Project Label, like California’s Proposition 65, can be much more conservative" than federal guidance on acceptable contaminant levels.

Instead of avoiding protein powder entirely, Detwiler suggests choosing products tested by verified third parties, such as the Clean Label Project or NSF Certified for Sport. “Regular consumers of protein powder should research brands that demonstrate transparency about their sourcing and safety practices,” he said.

Bowen agreed: “While it’s wise to be mindful,” she said, “the good news is that small, incremental changes—like choosing brands that prioritize rigorous testing for heavy metals—can make a big difference.”

But if you’re concerned, the good news is that most people don’t have to rely on protein supplements to meet the recommended daily intake. Experts generally suggest getting protein from whole foods like lean meats, eggs, and legumes rather than supplements. A bonus is that these foods “carry a lower risk of contamination,” Detwiler noted.

Detwiler also suggested contacting healthcare provider about heavy metal testing. But if “this is something you can’t get done, I would not lose any sleep over it,” Alan said. “Just do your very best to minimize your risk and inform your healthcare provider if you have new or worrisome symptoms.”

Edited by Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jani Hall Jani Hall Jani Hall is a news editor for Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation. learn more

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Korin Miller