{"id":316341,"date":"2025-10-19T15:53:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-19T15:53:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/316341\/"},"modified":"2025-10-19T15:53:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-19T15:53:10","slug":"high-lead-levels-found-in-popular-protein-powders-shakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/316341\/","title":{"rendered":"High Lead Levels Found in Popular Protein Powders, Shakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul data-node-id=\"0\" class=\"css-kw9lqy emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"0.0\">A new report found that popular protein powders and pre-made shakes contain lead. <\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"0.1\">Two-thirds of the 23 tested products contained unsafe levels, according to researchers\u2019 safety experts.<\/li>\n<li data-node-id=\"0.2\">Those experts ultimately recommended avoiding two tested powders completely, and explained why it may be worth decreasing your weekly number of protein shakes if you have them often.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"2\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/healthy-eating\/a68067521\/signs-not-getting-enough-protein\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/healthy-eating\/a68067521\/signs-not-getting-enough-protein\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Getting enough protein\" data-node-id=\"2.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Getting enough protein<\/a> is key to fueling your body. While there are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/healthy-eating\/g23065278\/high-protein-foods\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/healthy-eating\/g23065278\/high-protein-foods\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"high-protein foods\" data-node-id=\"2.2\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">high-protein foods<\/a> to add to your plate, many turn to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/g65189373\/best-tasting-protein-shakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/g65189373\/best-tasting-protein-shakes\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"protein shakes\" data-node-id=\"2.4\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">protein shakes<\/a> and supplements. New research found that certain popular protein powders and shakes may raise your risk of lead exposure and related health issues. The research, published by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/lead\/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/lead\/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Consumer Reports\" data-node-id=\"2.6.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Reports<\/a>, looked at lead levels in specific brands and found that many of them contain levels of lead that exceed what experts say you should safely consume daily.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"3\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Does this mean you should toss your stash of protein powders? Not necessarily. The findings do, however, ask you to reflect on where you get your protein (whole foods versus supplements) and how much you actually need. Because the reality is, you can likely hit your daily recommended protein targets via whole foods like Greek yogurt, lean meats, nuts, tempeh, and more. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"4\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Keep reading for more insights from the report, including the two of 23 protein powders tested that safety experts recommend avoiding completely.<\/p>\n<p>What did the report find?<\/p>\n<p id=\"what-did-the-study-find\" data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"7\" class=\"body-text css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Over a three-month period that began last November, the Consumer Reports research team anonymously purchased multiple samples of 23 protein powders and pre-made protein shakes that represented two to four distinct lots of each product from a variety of sources, including Amazon, Walmart, and health food stores. They were all tested for average levels of total protein, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and other elements. And <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/lead\/what-are-some-health-effects-lead\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/lead\/what-are-some-health-effects-lead\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"lead\" data-node-id=\"7.5\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">lead<\/a>\u2014a toxic metal found in dirt, water, the environment, and manufactured products that, in high amounts, may cause developmental delays in children and immune suppression, reproductive issues, and high blood pressure in adults\u2014emerged as the ingredient of most concern.<\/p>\n<p id=\"what-did-the-study-find\" data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"8\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"8.0\">It\u2019s important to note that lead consumption parameters are not clearly defined on a federal level; however, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/environmental-contaminants-food\/lead-food-and-foodwares\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/environmental-contaminants-food\/lead-food-and-foodwares\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"U.S. Food and Drug Administration\" data-node-id=\"8.0.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Food and Drug Administration<\/a> (FDA) says that there is no known safe amount of lead to consume.<\/strong> So, for their research, Consumer Reports referenced <a href=\"https:\/\/oehha.ca.gov\/proposition-65\/general-info\/proposition-65-no-significant-risk-levels-nsrls-and-maximum-allowable-dose-levels-madls\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/oehha.ca.gov\/proposition-65\/general-info\/proposition-65-no-significant-risk-levels-nsrls-and-maximum-allowable-dose-levels-madls\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"California\u2019s Proposition  65\" data-node-id=\"8.4\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">California\u2019s Proposition  65<\/a> safe harbor maximum allowable dose level for lead, which is 0.5 micrograms per day. (The FDA is, however, spearheading an ongoing initiative called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/regulatory-information\/search-fda-guidance-documents\/guidance-industry-action-levels-lead-processed-food-intended-babies-and-young-children\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/regulatory-information\/search-fda-guidance-documents\/guidance-industry-action-levels-lead-processed-food-intended-babies-and-young-children\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Closer to Zero\" data-node-id=\"8.6.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Closer to Zero<\/a> that recommends action levels for lead in processed food intended for babies and young children under two.) <\/p>\n<p>What products contained the most lead?<\/p>\n<p id=\"what-did-the-study-find\" data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"10\" class=\"body-text css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">About 70% of the products that Consumer Reports tested contained over 120% of the safety experts\u2019 level of concern for lead (0.5 micrograms per day). The lead levels in plant-based products were, on average, nine times greater than those made with dairy proteins like whey, and twice as great as beef-based products. The two that ended up prompting the most concerning lead levels were Naked Nutrition\u2019s Mass Gainer powder, which contained 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving, and Huel\u2019s Black Edition powder, which contained 6.3 micrograms of lead per serving. Spokespeople from both brands responded in the report. <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"11\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">According to the Consumer Report piece, a spokesperson for Huel noted that the brand\u2019s products undergo \u201crigorous testing\u201d and that the company is \u201cconfident in the current formulation and safety of the products, which is well within the levels set out by [National Sanitiation Foundation].\u201d <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"12\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Meanwhile, Naked Nutrition says it gets its ingredients from \u201cselect suppliers\u201d that give \u201cdocumentation attesting that they were checked for heavy metals,\u201d James Clark, chief marketing officer, told Consumer Reports. \u201cWe take our customers\u2019 health very seriously.\u201d Per Consumer Reports, Naked Nutrition has requested a third-party test of its Mass Gainer powder in response to their findings.<\/p>\n<p id=\"what-did-the-study-find\" data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"13\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">These findings are particularly concerning as Americans\u2019 protein goals continue to climb, along with lead levels in protein powders, when you compare this study to the similar one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/cro\/2012\/04\/protein-drinks\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/cro\/2012\/04\/protein-drinks\/index.htm\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Consumer Reports \" data-node-id=\"13.1.0\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Reports <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/cro\/2012\/04\/protein-drinks\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.consumerreports.org\/cro\/2012\/04\/protein-drinks\/index.htm\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"conducted 15 years ago\" data-node-id=\"13.2\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">conducted 15 years ago<\/a>. The International Food Information Council\u2019s 2024 Food &amp; Health Survey indicated that 71% of Americans were trying to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/a63749873\/guide-to-eating-protein\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/a63749873\/guide-to-eating-protein\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"eat more protein\" data-node-id=\"13.6\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">eat more protein<\/a>, an effort that\u2019s largely driven by <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7539343\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7539343\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"research\" data-node-id=\"13.8\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">research<\/a> that says it supports weight loss. However, according to the FDA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-03\/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.dietaryguidelines.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2021-03\/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Dietary Guidelines for Americans\" data-node-id=\"13.10\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Dietary Guidelines for Americans<\/a>, the recommended daily allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. In general, that suggests that a person who weighs 160 pounds should eat roughly 58 grams per day, although needs can vary depending on individual health and activity levels, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jennifer-christman-mha-rdn-ldn-cpt-1b60b56a\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jennifer-christman-mha-rdn-ldn-cpt-1b60b56a\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Jennifer Christman, M.H.A., R.D.N., L.D.N., C.P.T.\" data-node-id=\"13.12\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">Jennifer Christman, M.H.A., R.D.N., L.D.N., C.P.T.<\/a>, registered dietitian at Optavia, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/a60028858\/how-much-is-too-much-protein\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/a60028858\/how-much-is-too-much-protein\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"previously told Prevention\" data-node-id=\"13.14\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">previously told Prevention<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Should you be concerned?<br data-node-id=\"14.1\"\/><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"15\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Ultimately, there\u2019s no need to panic. Lead exposure is basically a part of existing\u2014according to the report, the average American adult is exposed to lead every day. The concern brought to light is regarding repeated daily use of contaminated powders. Researchers recommended against using protein powders every day due to potential lead levels in the products. If you\u2019re worried about reaching your protein goals, there are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/a20472042\/6-protein-packed-meal-prep-recipes\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/food-nutrition\/a20472042\/6-protein-packed-meal-prep-recipes\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"protein-packed recipes\" data-node-id=\"15.1\" class=\"body-link css-inlxvj emevuu60\" rel=\"noopener\">protein-packed recipes<\/a> that fit a variety of diets and eating patterns.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"16\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Consumer Reports shared their findings with the FDA and received the following response from an agency spokesperson: \u201cWe will review the findings from Consumer Reports\u2019 testing along with other data we have collected to better inform where to focus our testing efforts and enforcement activities.\u201d <\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"17\" class=\"css-6wxqfj emevuu60\">Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n<p>Related Stories<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A new report found that popular protein powders and pre-made shakes contain lead. Two-thirds of the 23 tested&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":316342,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[3178,159002,1201,210,2875,1182,159001,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-316341","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-content-type-news","9":"tag-contentid-705c7693-d5be-41da-8ccf-49ca38c22ea1","10":"tag-displaytype-standard-article","11":"tag-health","12":"tag-locale-us","13":"tag-nutrition","14":"tag-shorttitle-high-lead-levels-found-in-popular-protein-powders","15":"tag-united-states","16":"tag-unitedstates","17":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115401641368356327","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/316341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=316341"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/316341\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/316342"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=316341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=316341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=316341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}