A recent investigation by Consumer Reports found that more than two-thirds of the protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes they tested had dangerously high levels of the toxic heavy metal lead. The team tested 23 protein powders and shakes; 16 of these products exceeded the group’s daily lead safety threshold of 0.5 micrograms per serving, some by more than 10 times. Even protein supplements from top brands contained unsafe levels of lead. Naked Nutrition’s Mass Gainer powder had 77.7 µg per serving, which is 1,570% of the daily limit. Another popular brand, Huel’s Black Edition powder, had 6.3 µg per serving, which is 1,290% above the safety threshold. Even plant-based products were not safe. In fact, organic products averaged three times the lead of non-organic ones.
Lead has no safe exposure level. It can impair brain development, raise blood pressure and suppress immunity. In adults, long-term exposure to lead can result in kidney damage and reproductive issues. In children, it can lead to impaired learning and other neurological problems.
