A recent analysis by the Clean Label Project has found that nearly half of 160 protein powders tested exceeded California’s Proposition 65 safety thresholds for heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Organic protein powders contained three times more lead on average than non-organic ones, while plant-based powders had three times more lead and five times more cadmium than whey-based products.
The report’s findings are concerning, as there is no safe level of lead exposure according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Chocolate-flavored protein powders tested for the study contained four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored ones.
For those looking to buy toxin-free protein powders, experts recommend choosing whey-based or collagen-based options, as well as vanilla-flavored products. Inquiring about contaminant testing and shopping for trusted brands with third-party testing are also good practices.
Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/heavy-metals-in-protein-powders-may-pose-risk