Protein Powders Found to Contain High Levels of Toxic Metals, Study Reveals

A Clean Label Project investigation highlights lead and cadmium contamination in nearly half of tested protein supplements, with organic and plant-based products among the worst offenders.

• The Clean Label Project tested 160 protein powder products from 70 top-selling brands, representing 83% of the U.S. market, for contaminants like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.
• 47% of the products exceeded California Proposition 65's safety thresholds for toxic metals, with organic powders containing three times more lead and twice the cadmium compared to non-organic options.
• Plant-based protein powders showed three times more lead than whey-based alternatives, and chocolate-flavored powders contained four times more lead than vanilla-flavored ones.
• The study emphasizes that while heavy metal levels may not pose immediate risks for single servings, frequent consumption could lead to unsafe exposure levels over time.
• Experts recommend whey or egg-based, vanilla-flavored protein powders as safer options and advise consumers to contact brands directly for contaminant information.

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