Introduction to the Problem
There might be whey more in your protein shake than you bargained for. A new Consumer Reports investigation found that many popular protein supplements are contaminated with “troubling levels of toxic heavy metals” like lead — and the problem has only gotten worse since the group first tested them 15 years ago.
The Extent of Contamination
The level of contamination varied greatly across products, raising concerns about the long-term health risks for daily users. Protein powders and shakes aren’t just for gym rats anymore. The findings come amid a high-protein craze, with the powerhouse nutrient being packed into nearly every food imaginable to help curb appetite, build muscle and keep people feeling full.
Health Risks Associated with Lead Exposure
As a growing number of Americans turn to protein powders and shakes to hit their daily goals, Consumer Reports warns that even small amounts of lead can build up in the body over time. Long-term lead exposure has been linked to serious health problems, including neurological and developmental damage, kidney issues, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. Experts say there is no safe level of lead exposure for humans.
Lack of Federal Regulation
Despite these risks, there are still no federal limits on the amount of heavy metals protein products can contain. In fact, the FDA doesn’t review or approve these supplements before they hit shelves, leaving safety and labeling entirely up to manufacturers.
Consumer Reports Investigation
In the study, Consumer Reports tested 23 best-selling protein supplements, including dairy, beef and plant-based powders and ready-to-drink shakes. They found that over two-thirds contained more lead in a single serving than the nonprofit’s experts say is safe to consume in a day — in some cases by 10 times or more. While there were exceptions, products made with plant-based proteins had, on average, nine times more lead than dairy-based powders like whey, and twice as much as beef-based ones.
Specific Products with High Lead Content
Two plant-based products contained so much lead that Consumer Reports warned against using them altogether. Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer supplement packed a staggering 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving — roughly 1,570% of Consumer Reports’ safety threshold of 0.5 micrograms per day. Huel’s Black Edition powder wasn’t far behind, with 6.3 micrograms per serving — about 1,290% of the group’s daily lead limit.
Response from Manufacturers
“We take our customers’ health very seriously,” James Clark, chief marketing officer at Naked Nutrition, told Consumer Reports, adding the company has ordered a third-party test of its Mass Gainer powder in response to the findings. A spokesperson for Huel, meanwhile, said that its ingredients undergo “rigorous testing” and that the manufacturer is “confident in the current formulation and safety of the products.”
Other Heavy Metals Found
Lead wasn’t the only heavy metal lurking in these supplements. Two products also contained unsafe levels of cadmium — a probable human carcinogen, according to the EPA. One whey protein powder also had 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic, more than double the safe daily limit. Arsenic is a known carcinogen.
Recommendations for Consumers
“There’s no reason to panic if you’ve been taking any of the products we tested, since many of these protein powders are fine to use occasionally and none of them will cause immediate harm,” Tunde Akinleye, the food safety researcher who led the testing project, said in a press release. “But regular users of protein supplements should consider reducing their consumption.” The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, or about 54 grams for a 150-pound person —yet the average US adult consumes about 2.9 ounces of protein per day, roughly 20% more than recommended amount, according to Harvard Health.
Call for FDA Action
In light of the findings, Consumer Reports is urging the FDA to set strict limits on lead and other heavy metals in protein powders and shakes once the government shutdown ends. “The FDA can take action if it finds unsafe lead levels, but the lack of enforceable standards means it doesn’t happen nearly enough,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.
Conclusion
The presence of toxic amounts of lead in protein powders and shakes is a significant concern for public health. With the lack of federal regulation and the varying levels of contamination across different products, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with these supplements. By understanding the extent of the problem and the health risks involved, consumers can make informed decisions about their protein intake and push for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of these products.
FAQs
- Q: What are the health risks associated with lead exposure?
A: Long-term lead exposure has been linked to serious health problems, including neurological and developmental damage, kidney issues, high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. - Q: Are there any federal limits on the amount of heavy metals protein products can contain?
A: No, there are currently no federal limits on the amount of heavy metals protein products can contain. - Q: How can consumers reduce their risk of lead exposure from protein supplements?
A: Consumers can reduce their risk by choosing products with lower lead content, reducing their consumption of protein supplements, and opting for products from manufacturers that adhere to strict safety standards. - Q: What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein?
A: The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, or about 54 grams for a 150-pound person. - Q: Where can consumers find more information about the lead content in specific protein brands?
A: Consumers can find more information about the lead content in specific protein brands by checking out Consumer Reports’ full list of tested products.
