Rebecca Manzi Toxic heavy metals are present in protein powders for building muscle mass in quantities that far exceed safety limits
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A new study from the nonprofit Clean Label Project highlights an unsettling reality: that toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are prevalent in many varieties of protein powders, used for everything from bodybuilding to just adding extra nutrition.
The analysis, which tested 160 products from 70 leading brands, discovered that the greater number of these supplements exceed the safety limits under California’s Proposition 65. Among the results, surprisingly high levels of contaminants were found in plant-based protein powders, usually positioned as health responders, compared to whey-based powders.
Data shows that plant-based proteins like rice, peas, and soy have up to three times more lead in them than their non-plant-based counterparts. What’s more, organic protein powders-which would presumably be considered safer-were actually the most toxic, with high levels of lead and cadmium.
The warning on chocolate-flavored protein powders
Another surprising finding is that chocolate-flavored protein powders contain up to 110 times more cadmium and up to four times as much lead as vanilla-flavored varieties. The increased contamination is said to be due to the nature of cocoa, which is known to absorb heavy metals from the soil.
The contamination of protein powders primarily comes from plant-based raw materials grown in soil that has been contaminated either by industrial activities or the unsafe use of agricultural practices, such as pesticides and fertilizers. These factors contribute to increased heavy metal presence in the final products.
The health effect of lead and cadmium is serious. Lead, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), causes neuro-damage, developmental defects in children, and impairment of organs. Cadmium is identified as a carcinogen that may cause heart, kidney, and respiratory damage and impair reproductive health.
A small bright spot: bisphenol levels falling
Fortunately, despite concerns over heavy metals, the report found a significant decrease in the presence of bisphenols-chemical compounds known to be endocrine disruptors. In 2024, only three of the 160 products tested contained bisphenols, compared with 55% in 2018.
Source: Clean Label Project
