From Health Drink to Hazard: Lead Contamination in Protein Powders

At CerePro Bioscience, your wellness and safety are our top priorities. A recent investigation by Consumer Reports uncovered concerning findings about popular protein‐supplement products—and we believe it’s important for you to know.

Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes and found that more than two-thirds of them contained more lead in a single serving than the organization’s level of concern. Their “level of concern” for lead was about 0.5 micrograms per day, based on California’s Proposition 65 safe-harbor threshold.  Some plant-based powders were especially high in lead—on average nine times more than dairy/whey based, and about twice as much as beef-based protein powders. Two specific products had such elevated lead levels (1,200 %–1,600 % of the “safe” level) that the report’s authors advise avoiding them altogether. In addition to lead, detectable amounts of cadmium and inorganic arsenic were found in some supplements.  Notably, the regulatory oversight for these types of supplements is limited: they are not reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety before they hit the market.

If you use protein powders or shakes frequently, especially plant-based ones, it’s wise to pause and consider the following: Even though immediate harm from one serving is unlikely, chronic exposure to lead and other heavy metals can add up over time and pose risks such as kidney damage, high blood pressure, reproductive issues, nervous-system effects and more. Opting for whole-food protein sources (lean meats, dairy, eggs, legumes, etc.) might reduce risk of contamination compared to some powders. If you continue using powders, look for brands that disclose third-party heavy-metal testing, avoid high-serving mass gainer formulas (since bigger scoop = higher exposure potential), and consider limiting frequency of use, especially for plant-based formulas.

Some lead contamination in food is unavoidable, but our opinion is that any amount of lead or cadmium in a protein powder or shake is unacceptable, given there are lead and cadmium-free alternatives.  

The list of currently tested products is available on our premium membership portal.  

Switch to an uncontaminated product if necessary.