Concern Over Protein Powder Safety Mounts After Investigation Finds High Levels of Lead and Other Toxins in Popular Products.
A new investigation has revealed that many popular protein powders and shakes may contain high levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead. Consumer Reports tested 23 popular products and found that more than two-thirds contained more lead per serving than the outlet's experts consider safe in a single day. Some had more than ten times what some health experts consider a safe daily amount.
Plant-based protein powders, which are made from pea protein, were the worst offenders, averaging about nine times more lead than dairy- and beef-based counterparts. The investigation included both ready-to-drink shakes and powders intended for blending into smoothies.
While no amount of lead is technically safe, experts say that repeated or continuous exposure at high doses can be particularly hazardous, especially for children, pregnant women, and older adults. However, the investigation found that even short-term symptoms of lead poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue, are possible.
Dietitians caution that many Americans already consume more protein than needed, and that incorporating protein powders into their diet may be unnecessary. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men, and active individuals may need nearly twice that amount, but experts say that most people can easily meet their needs through food alone.
Some health experts argue that the alarm over lead levels in protein powders may be overblown. Dr. Andrea Love, a biomedical scientist, described the investigation as "fearmongering" and noted that the lead levels identified were measured in parts per billion and remained far below daily exposure limits considered safe for adults.
To choose safer protein powders, experts recommend opting for whey-based products, which are better absorbed and utilized by the body. They also advise consumers to look for third-party-tested supplements, as some products may contain high levels of lead or other toxins that have not been detected during routine testing.
Ultimately, health experts urge consumers to prioritize whole foods over protein powders and to be aware of the potential risks associated with these supplements.
A new investigation has revealed that many popular protein powders and shakes may contain high levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead. Consumer Reports tested 23 popular products and found that more than two-thirds contained more lead per serving than the outlet's experts consider safe in a single day. Some had more than ten times what some health experts consider a safe daily amount.
Plant-based protein powders, which are made from pea protein, were the worst offenders, averaging about nine times more lead than dairy- and beef-based counterparts. The investigation included both ready-to-drink shakes and powders intended for blending into smoothies.
While no amount of lead is technically safe, experts say that repeated or continuous exposure at high doses can be particularly hazardous, especially for children, pregnant women, and older adults. However, the investigation found that even short-term symptoms of lead poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue, are possible.
Dietitians caution that many Americans already consume more protein than needed, and that incorporating protein powders into their diet may be unnecessary. The Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men, and active individuals may need nearly twice that amount, but experts say that most people can easily meet their needs through food alone.
Some health experts argue that the alarm over lead levels in protein powders may be overblown. Dr. Andrea Love, a biomedical scientist, described the investigation as "fearmongering" and noted that the lead levels identified were measured in parts per billion and remained far below daily exposure limits considered safe for adults.
To choose safer protein powders, experts recommend opting for whey-based products, which are better absorbed and utilized by the body. They also advise consumers to look for third-party-tested supplements, as some products may contain high levels of lead or other toxins that have not been detected during routine testing.
Ultimately, health experts urge consumers to prioritize whole foods over protein powders and to be aware of the potential risks associated with these supplements.
I've got a friend who's super into fitness and always orders protein shakes after her workouts. She thinks it helps her recover faster 
, but honestly, I think she's been misled 
. This new investigation about lead in protein powders is kinda scary 
. I mean, nine times more lead in plant-based proteins than dairy ones? That's not something you want to be putting in your body 
.
, but maybe it's time to rethink our supplement choices 
. I've been hearing that whey-based products are the way to go 
, so that's something to look into. And yeah, let's be real, most people can get enough protein from whole foods without needing a supplement 
.
. I've been hearing some experts say it's all just a bunch of hype 
, but at the end of the day, it's always better to err on the side of caution 
. If you're a fitness enthusiast like my friend, maybe consider having a chat with your dietitian about protein powders 
. Better safe than sorry, right? 
just read this article about like 2/3 of those popular ones got lead in them?! 
plant-based ones are super bad off too 
that's crazy! shouldn't we be prioritizing our health over convenience? 
and whey-based products sound way safer now 
I'm gonna start looking for third-party tested ones 
but honestly, I think it's better to just stick with food alone 
and it's not just lead, other toxins are there too 
i mean i know some ppl might be thinking "but isn't lead safe?" nope 
experts say repeated exposure is the problem. even short-term symptoms can be a big deal for certain groups like kids & preggy women 
but seriously tho whats the point of even testing if they're gonna put lead in it? like we already have so many toxins in our food and water what's next? 
It's crazy how some plant-based options are basically leading the way (no pun intended) to a whole new level of bad news 
. And honestly, with so many other ways to get protein from food alone (like beans, nuts, and eggs...), do we really need all these processed powders in the first place? 
46 grams for women and 56 for men is already a lot, and then some experts say we might not even need that much... It just feels like this whole protein powder thing is getting out of hand. 
It's not like it's going to kill you or anything. And let's be real, most people are just gonna end up drinking a whole bunch of protein shakes anyway, so why bother with the safe stuff? 
Plus, I mean, have you seen the prices of some of these protein powders? Ridiculous! 
If you're not careful, you'll just break the bank on some overhyped supplement. Give me a good old-fashioned banana and a handful of oats any day! 
anyway, just remember to opt 4 whey-based products & do ur own research on supplements