A new investigation has found disturbing levels of lead and cadmium in over-the-counter protein powders, particularly those made from plant-based ingredients or flavored with chocolate. The Clean Label Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transparent food labeling, tested 160 products from 70 top-selling brands and found that nearly 80% of plant-based and organic proteins exceeded California’s Proposition 65 limits for lead.
Lead is toxic to the human body and can cause harm even at low levels, while cadmium is a carcinogen that can damage organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain. The investigation also found that chocolate-flavored protein powders contained four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored ones.
The Clean Label Project compared the findings with those of California’s Proposition 65, which sets strict limits on industrial environmental contaminants. About 47% of the tested protein powders exceeded Prop 65 guidelines, with nearly 80% of plant-based and organic products exceeding the lead limit.
While consumers should not completely stop using protein powders as part of a healthy lifestyle, shopping smart can help minimize exposure to heavy metals. The data suggests that whey-based or egg-based, vanilla-flavored protein powders may have lower levels of contaminants. Reaching out to favorite brands to inquire about contaminant levels and demanding answers from manufacturers can also be an effective way to stay informed.
To make healthier choices, consumers can consider alternatives such as pea-based protein powders, which appear to have the lowest levels of heavy metals. By taking these steps, individuals can reduce their exposure to lead and cadmium in protein powders.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/09/health/protein-powder-heavy-metals-wellness/index.html