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- What the new testing uncovered about protein supplements
- Which products showed the highest lead readings
- Other heavy metals found and their risks
- Why plant-based proteins may be more susceptible
- How manufacturers responded to the report
- Regulatory gaps and what Consumer Reports wants
- Practical tips for shoppers who use protein supplements
- How much protein do people actually need?
Many people add a scoop of protein to their morning routine. New lab tests now show that some popular powders and ready-to-drink shakes carry worrying amounts of toxic metals. The findings raise questions for daily users, makers and regulators alike.
What the new testing uncovered about protein supplements
Consumer Reports tested 23 widely sold protein products, including dairy, beef and plant-based powders and shakes. Their results showed wide variation in contamination.
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- Over two-thirds of the tested products had more lead in a single serving than Consumer Reports’ daily safety benchmark of 0.5 micrograms.
- Plant-based powders, on average, contained about nine times more lead than dairy-derived powders.
- Beef-based options averaged roughly twice the lead of dairy products.
Which products showed the highest lead readings
Two plant-derived powders stood out for extremely high lead content.
- Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer: 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving. That is about 1,570% of Consumer Reports’ daily limit.
- Huel Black Edition: 6.3 micrograms of lead per serving, roughly 1,290% of the same benchmark.
Consumer Reports flagged both as products to avoid for regular use.
Other heavy metals found and their risks
Lead was not the only contaminant detected.
- Some products contained unsafe levels of cadmium, a substance the EPA calls a probable human carcinogen.
- One whey powder tested had 8.5 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving, more than double Consumer Reports’ recommended daily limit. Arsenic is a known carcinogen.
Why plant-based proteins may be more susceptible
Soil and water influence what ends up in plants. Metals occur naturally in the earth’s crust, but pollution and contaminated irrigation raise uptake.
- Plants can absorb metals from soil and water, concentrating them in leaves, seeds and grains.
- When those plants are processed into protein powders, the metals can carry through to the final product.
How manufacturers responded to the report
Some brands pushed back or announced further testing.
- Naked Nutrition said it takes customer health seriously and has commissioned third-party testing of its Mass Gainer.
- Huel stated that ingredients go through rigorous checks and expressed confidence in product safety.
Regulatory gaps and what Consumer Reports wants
Dietary supplements do not undergo premarket FDA approval. That leaves safety and labeling to companies unless regulators act.
- No federal limits currently set for heavy metals in protein powders.
- Consumer Reports urges the FDA to establish enforceable limits on lead and other toxic elements in these products.
- The FDA said it will review the Consumer Reports data along with its own testing programs to guide enforcement and surveillance.
Practical tips for shoppers who use protein supplements
Experts recommend moderation and informed choices.
- Use protein powders sparingly if you consume them daily.
- Prefer products with third-party testing or clear testing documentation.
- Consider whole-food protein sources to meet daily needs.
- Check Consumer Reports and other lab-based evaluations for brand-specific results.
How much protein do people actually need?
Dietary guidelines recommend about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For a 150-pound person, that is roughly 54 grams per day. Many Americans already exceed that amount without supplements.
