Clean Label Project, a consumer product safety nonprofit, tested 160 products from 70 top-selling supplement brands.
Nearly half of the protein powders tested had unsafe levels of heavy metals.
This isnt the first time protein powders have been found to contain heavy metals.
Veniamin Blaga / Getty Images
A2018 Clean Label Project reportfound measurable levels of lead in 75% of the tested protein powders.
However, experts say you dont need to throw out your protein powder just yet.
How Do Heavy Metals Get Into Protein Powders?
Manufacturing processeseither intentionally or unintentionallycan also introduce heavy metals into certain products, Johnson-Arbor added.
Should You Stop Using Protein Powders?
A 2020 study found that heavy metal exposure from protein powders doesnt increase the risk of negative health outcomes.
When you purchase aprotein powderor a vitamin product, you dont necessarily know whats in it, Johnson-Arbor said.
But you’re free to look for certification from USP, ConsumerLab, and NSF.
Its not perfect, she added.
Clean Label Project.CLP insights: 2024-25 protein powder category report.
University of New Hampshire.Soil testing for environmental contaminants - interpreting your heavy metals test results [fact sheet].
Food and Drug Administration.What FDA is doing to protect consumers from toxic metals in foods.
Scutarasu EC, Trinca LC.Heavy metals in foods and beverages: global situation, health risks and reduction methods.Foods.
Food and Drug Administration.Environmental contaminants in food.
Food and Drug Administration.Questions and answers on dietary supplements.
