Some protein powders and shakes analyzed by Consumer Reports were found to contain levels of lead, a heavy metal, that experts warn could increase the risk of long-term health issues. Researchers contracted by Consumer Reports, an independent non-profit organization based in the U.S., assessed 23 popular protein products and discovered lead levels varied from zero to 7.7 micrograms per serving. These levels exceeded the strict limits established by California but remained below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for females of childbearing age. Lead, a heavy metal present in the environment, has no safe threshold for human consumption.
Consumer Reports’ investigation revealed that most plant-based protein products they examined had higher lead levels compared to animal-based products. This discovery has prompted concerns about the safety of regular consumption of these popular supplements and the regulatory oversight in Canada, as noted by Lawrence Goodridge, a food safety professor at the University of Guelph.
The study involved acquiring and testing two or three samples of 23 protein products, including dairy, beef, and plant-based supplements like protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes, from various outlets. Lead emerged as the primary heavy metal detected in the products, with the worst offenders containing 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving. Consumer Reports applied California’s stringent standard of 0.5 micrograms of lead per day for daily intake.
Repeated exposure to lead, which accumulates in the body over time, poses health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant individuals. Cognitive decline, mood disorders, chronic kidney disease, and reproductive issues are potential consequences of regular lead consumption in adults, according to Goodridge.
To mitigate risks associated with lead exposure, Goodridge recommended consuming whole foods to fulfill protein needs, limiting protein powder usage to occasional intake, and avoiding these supplements for susceptible individuals unless advised by a healthcare professional. Dietitians generally advocate for obtaining protein from natural sources rather than relying heavily on supplements.
The regulation of these protein products in Canada remains uncertain, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency overseeing chemical residue surveillance in foods and Health Canada establishing maximum pollutant levels. However, the classification of these products as food or natural health supplements and the absence of specific federal lead limits for such items present regulatory gaps that Goodridge believes should be addressed.
Lead contamination in protein products can occur through environmental exposure, as lead is prohibited from being intentionally added to foods in Canada. The metal can enter the food chain through plant uptake from soil or air deposition on leaves and stems, particularly affecting leafy or leguminous plants.
While some companies argue that their products comply with federal U.S. or European Union lead regulations, Consumer Reports’ comparison to California’s strict standards raises concerns. Naked Nutrition and Huel defended their products’ safety and compliance with regulatory limits, emphasizing their commitment to consumer well-being amid the ongoing debate on lead contamination in protein supplements.