A major Consumer Reports investigation found worrying lead levels in many popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes.
The group tested 23 products and reported that more than two-thirds contained more lead in a single serving than its food safety experts consider safe for a day.
Plant-based powders tended to score worst in the tests. On average, plant formulas had about nine times the lead found in dairy-based powders. Two products showed especially high readings and have been singled out for avoidance by CR’s experts.
The average lead level across the samples was higher than when Consumer Reports last ran similar tests 15 years ago. (HR)
Tunde Akinleye, the CR researcher who led the testing, said the results are alarming and noted the growing scale of the supplement market. CR’s team advises most people to avoid daily use of protein powders and to treat them as occasional aids rather than everyday staples.
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The report also points to a regulatory gap. Unlike medicines, supplements do not require premarket approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Consumer Reports is urging regulators to set strict limits on lead and other heavy metals in these products.
Nutrition and medical experts quoted in the report remind readers that most people meet their protein needs through ordinary food.
Pregnant people, children and heavy daily users should be especially cautious and seek alternatives such as dairy proteins or whole foods.
CR recommends checking independent lab results before making a product part of a daily routine.
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