Many popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes contain unsafe levels of lead, a new investigative report has found.
On Tuesday, Consumer Reports published the findings of an investigation into some of the nation’s best-known protein-based supplements and concluded that several products “carry troubling levels of toxic heavy metals.”
According to the independent product-testing nonprofit, more than two-thirds of the 23 supplements analyzed contained more lead per serving than the 0.5-microgram daily limit set by CR experts — some exceeding it by more than 10 times.
The testing examined dairy-, beef-, and plant-based protein supplements bought from major online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores across New York state over a three-month period.
About 70% of the products tested contained enough lead that CR’s experts advise against consuming them, with plant-based powders being the most problematic. Those included Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer, which contained 7.7 micrograms per serving (1,570% of CR’s limit), and Huel’s Black Edition, which had 6.3 micrograms (1,290% of the limit).
The investigation followed up on a similar report published in July 2010, which analyzed 15 products and found three of “particular concern” due to elevated levels of heavy metals, including arsenic and cadmium.
“It’s concerning that these results are even worse than the last time we tested. This time, not only was the average lead level higher than what we found 15 years ago, but there were also fewer products with undetectable amounts,” Tunde Akinleye, the food safety researcher who led the project, said in the most recent report published Tuesday.
There are no federal standards limiting lead in protein powders, said Brian Ronholm, Consumer Reports’ food policy director.
On Tuesday, he launched a petition calling on the Food and Drug Administration to take action “to immediately establish strict limits” on lead and other toxic heavy metals in protein powders and shakes.
“The FDA can take action if it finds unsafe lead levels, but the lack of enforceable standards means it doesn’t happen nearly enough,” Ronholm said. “The FDA’s lack of funding and staff makes the problem worse. Establishing enforceable limits in foods and supplements would go a long way in protecting consumers.”
