Heavy metals lead and cadmium detected in protein powders; highest amount in these varieties

Protein powders have emerged as the trusted supplements to build muscles and boost satiety for highly active people and busy professionals. It serves as a convenient option to consume on a daily basis and can instantly boost the daily protein intake. However, as per a new investigation, many commercially available protein powders have worrying amounts of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. The highest amounts of lead and cadmium has been found in plant-based, organic and chocolate-flavored products.

While many consider organic options healthier, the presence of heavy metals make them more toxic than normal varieties. The report by the Clean Label Project released on January 9 found that 77% of plant-based protein powders, 79% of organic protein powders and 65% of chocolate-flavored protein powders tested above California Proposition 65 safety thresholds for toxic metals.
"The study’s findings highlight that despite the growing health-conscious market, many products may contain elevated levels of contaminants not reflected on traditional nutrition labels," the report read.
Tests were done on 160 products from 70 top protein powder brands, representing 83% of the market, as per the report.

The report mentions that protein powders made from plants like rice, peas or soy have been found to contain triple the amount of lead compared to products made from whey.
Plants tend to absorb heavy metals from the planet’s crust but may contain more levels if grown in soil that is further contaminated by mining, industrial waste, and some pesticides and fertilizers.
This means that plant-based protein powders, often marketed as healthier alternatives, may pose unexpected risks if consumed in large quantities over time.

Chocolate is one of the preferred flavors for many due to its irresistible taste. However, the reports say there are alarming levels of heavy metals in this variety.
"Chocolate-flavored protein powders contained four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders," said Jaclyn Bowen, executive director of the Clean Label Project.
While chocolate is high in flavonoids, antioxidants and other beneficial minerals, dark chocolate, or cacao, has been found to contain high levels of heavy metals.
"With the lack of comprehensive federal regulations specifically addressing heavy metals in dietary supplements, it is critical that the industry independently takes proactive measures," the report read.
Chocolate-flavored protein powders can contain added sugars and artificial ingredients, which may not be ideal for those seeking a cleaner, more natural supplement. It's important to read labels carefully to ensure quality and minimize unhealthy additives.
Experts suggest that consumers limit their intake of chocolate-flavored powders and diversify their protein sources to reduce potential exposure.

Studies have found a direct link between its intake from food to up to a three-fold increase in cancer mortality and up to a four-fold increase in CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) risk. High amounts of lead consumed over a short period can cause several health problems. Some of the symptoms of lead poisoning are high blood pressure, abdominal pain, constipation, joint and muscle pain, pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities, headache, miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women, fatigue, and, memory loss.
Heavy metals from contaminated foodstuff and water enter the body through the digestive tract where they are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal membrane. Once these heavy metals are integrated within the body, the majority are eliminated by the renal system within the urine, but a smaller portion remains within the bloodstream and/or is re-absorbed by the kidneys and eventually accumulates within the liver, kidneys, and bones, as per a report published in Nature.
Heavy metals like zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese are vital in small amounts but can cause serious harm if they accumulate to toxic levels. Children are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal poisoning. Common toxic metals include arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, alongside essential metals like cobalt, copper, and selenium when present in excess. Poisoning often results from industrial exposure, pollution, contaminated food or water, certain medicines, improperly coated containers, or ingesting lead-based paints.
According to WHO, cadmium can travel long distances from the source of emission by atmospheric transfer. Human exposure from consumption of contaminated food, active and passive inhalation of tobacco smoke, and inhalation by workers in a range of industries all contribute to the accumulation of cadmium in our body.
Chronic exposure to low levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic through commonly used household items, air, water, soil and food is linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. These toxic metals may contribute to high blood pressure, arterial damage, and other cardiovascular complications. Efforts to reduce environmental exposure are crucial for improving public health and preventing heart-related conditions.
Consuming too much protein powder can strain the kidneys, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, and may lead to dehydration or imbalances in nutrient intake. Some people may experience bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort, particularly if they are lactose intolerant or sensitive to certain ingredients in whey or casein protein powders. Many protein powders contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or fillers that can contribute to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, or allergic reactions. Relying too heavily on protein powders instead of whole foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies and an imbalance in your diet, as they lack the vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients found in whole foods.

Protein powder supports muscle growth, recovery, and repair, making it ideal for post-workout nutrition. It aids in meeting daily protein needs, especially for those with busy lifestyles or dietary restrictions. Additionally, it can help manage weight by promoting satiety and maintaining lean muscle mass.
Be careful while choosing the brand of your protein powder. Make sure to choose a reputed company and look for the conduct of third-party metal tasting. Check the certifications of the product including if it is NSF certified. More than that, rather than just relying on the supplements, incorporate natural source of protein foods in your diet and then you can avoid exceeding the amount of recommended protein intake through the powders.
Foods like eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, beans, quinoa, and nuts are rich in protein and come packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Unlike protein powder, these whole foods are free from artificial additives and provide a balanced, sustainable energy source while supporting muscle growth and overall health. Plus, they’re easy to include in everyday meals, making them a superior choice for long-term wellness.
Meanwhile, in a latest development, a renowned protein powder brand Orgain has issued a voluntary recall of its chocolate-flavored “30g Plant Protein Complete Protein Powder” due to undeclared peanut allergens. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as a Class I risk, the highest warning level, indicating a significant risk of serious health consequences or death. The issue came to light after one consumer reported an allergic reaction, prompting the company to act “out of an abundance of caution.”
In another case of lead contamination, a widely used Chinese spice blend, Yu Yee Five Spice Powder, has been recalled in 15 US states. FDA announced that 62 cases of the spice mix sold in local stores are affected by the recall. Lead contamination in spices and herbs poses significant health risks, including weakened immune defenses, heart problems, fetal malformations, impaired neurological and psychosocial development, and gastrointestinal cancer, as highlighted in the Environmental Pollution Journal.
On average a sedentary man needs about 56 grams of protein per dayand the average sedentary woman needs about 46 grams.
Greek yogurt: Packed with protein, probiotics, and calcium, Greek yogurt is an excellent post-workout snack. Opt for plain, unsweetened versions for a healthier option.
Eggs: A nutrient-dense and versatile source of protein, eggs provide all nine essential amino acids. Enjoy them boiled, scrambled, or in omelets. An average egg contains about 6 to 7 grams of protein. This varies depending on the size of the egg.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp seeds are great plant-based sources of protein. Sprinkle them on salads, yogurt, or oatmeal for a nutritious boost.
Lentils and beans: Rich in protein and fiber, lentils, chickpeas, and black beans make excellent additions to soups, stews, and salads for sustained energy.
Cottage cheese: This high-protein dairy option is low in fat and a great snack. Pair it with fruits or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Consuming these metals regularly can pose serious health risks, including organ damage and cancer. Consumers should be cautious and opt for protein powders that undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet safety standards.
Apart from protein powder, one can also consume lentils daily to boost intake.
Here are five protein-rich lentils:
Red lentils (Masoor Dal): Quick-cooking and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Green lentils: Nutty in flavour, these provide high protein and are great for salads and soups.
Black lentils (Beluga lentils): Dense in protein and antioxidants, often used in gourmet dishes.
Yellow lentils (Toor Dal): Widely used in Indian cuisine, they're a great protein source and cook quickly.
Brown lentils: Versatile and hearty, they are high in protein and work well in stews and curries.
It is important to consume the wholesome and unprocessed forms of protein to avail full benefits of the nutrient. As building blocks of the body, protein can help support many body functions.