Dangerous Levels of Lead Found in Some Popular Protein Powders—Here's What to Know

Boosting protein intake is a dietary priority for many consumers nowadays, with some reaching for enriched powders and shakes to meet their daily needs. But be careful what you drink. A new Consumer Reports investigation revealed troubling levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, in some popular brands.

The publication recently analyzed 23 protein powders and shakes and found that more than two-thirds of the products tested contained more lead in a single serving than what its experts say is safe to consume in a day.

Various best-selling dairy, beef, and plant-based protein supplements were tested, including protein powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes. About 70 percent of the products tested contained over 120 percent of Consumer Reports' level of concern for lead, which is 0.5 micrograms per day.

The biggest culprits were Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer powder, which contained 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving, and Huel’s Black Edition powder, which contained 6.3 micrograms of lead per serving. Due to the high levels, the publication's experts warn against consuming these products. According to Consumer Reports, Naked Nutrition has requested a third-party test of its Mass Gainer powder in response to the findings.

Huel’s Black Edition plant-based protein powder was also found to contain 9.2 micrograms of cadmium—more than double the level that public health authorities say may be harmful. Vega’s Premium Sport brand powder was also found to have a high level of cadmium. Additionally, Consumer Reports detected 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic, a known human carcinogen per the EPA, in a single serving of Optimum Nutrition’s Serious Mass whey protein powder, which is twice the daily limit recommended by scientists.

Garden of Life's Sport Organic Plant-Based Protein and Momentous' 100% Plant Protein contained lead levels between 400 and 600 percent of the benchmark of concern, leading experts to advise consumers to limit consumption to once a week. (Although the Momentous products tested have been discontinued, the publication still reported the findings since protein supplements have a long shelf life and may still be in some consumers' pantries.)

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According to the testing results, the lead levels in plant-based products were, on average, nine times higher than the amount found in dairy-based proteins, such as whey, and twice as high as beef-based products. Dairy-based protein powders and shakes generally had the lowest amounts of lead.

Consumer Reports is now urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish strict limits on lead in protein powders and shakes. "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, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, which launched a petition calling on the FDA to take action. "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."

Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the FDA doesn’t review, approve, or test supplements like protein powders before they are sold. Federal regulations also don’t generally require supplement makers to prove their products are safe, and there are no federal limits for the amount of heavy metals they can contain.

No amount of lead exposure is considered safe, but the greatest danger arises from repeated or continuous exposure, particularly at high doses. Children and pregnant people are most vulnerable because lead can damage the developing brain and nervous system, which has the potential to cause neurological issues, learning delays, and behavioral problems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chronic lead exposure has been linked to immune suppression, reproductive problems, kidney damage, and high blood pressure in adults. Since lead lingers in the body, even small amounts can accumulate over time and contribute to health risks.