Lead in protein powder

Lead is a metal that is toxic to the brain. Found in old water pipes or in paints, it can cause lead poisoning and other cognitive disorders. It is particularly dangerous for young children, whose bodies absorb between 40 and 55% of the lead ingested, compared to 5 to 10% in adults.

An investigation carried out in the United States reveals that protein powders could also be contaminated with lead. However, sales of these powders have exploded in recent years and more and more consumers are using them on a daily basis.

Heavy metals detected in protein powders

This study published in October 2025 was carried out by Consumer Reportsan American consumer association that publishes a magazine. She evaluated 23 protein powder and ready-to-drink products. It concludes that some contain dangerously high levels of lead, as well as other heavy metals such as cadmium and arsenic.

Among the 23 products tested, 16 exceeded 0.5 µg of lead, the level deemed safe by the organization. And 4 products exceeded 2.2 µg, the limit set by the FDA for the total amount of lead that children can consume daily. For example, among the products to avoid were the Huel Black Edition chocolate powders and the vanilla powders from Naked Nutrition (Vegan Mass Gainer), both vegan. The product deemed safest was Muscle Tech’s 100% Mass Gainer in Vanilla, which contains whey protein. Among the safest powders were also: Protein whey gold standard from Optimum Nutrition, Pro Elite High Protein shake from Owyn…

However, it should be noted that all of the products reported by Consumer Reports had lead levels below the maximum daily exposure levels set by the FDA. This is why, in an article published on the site The ConversationMichael White, pharmacologist at the University of Connecticut, puts the risk into perspective: ” Howeverhe agrees, regardless of the safety limit, the study shows that some products contain a concerning dose of heavy metals per serving. »

Lead and other heavy metals occur naturally in soil and water. “It is therefore impossible to reach a zero level of exposure”he explains. However, in this study, Consumer Reports considered that any quantity greater than 0.5 µg of lead per day from a single source exceeds the maximum recommended levels. This threshold is more stringent than the safety standard for lead exposure used by the FDA for drugs and dietary supplements. “This difference is explained by Consumer Reports’ ambitious very low exposure goals, as opposed to the FDA’s more realistic but achievable requirements. » According to the FDA, the limit of lead a person should consume from a single dietary supplement is 5 mcg per day.

Plant proteins more exposed than animal sources

The Consumer Reports investigation also found that the source of protein mattered: Plant-based protein products contained nine times more lead than dairy proteins like whey, and twice as much as beef-based proteins.

Lead and other heavy metals are present in large quantities in volcanic rocks. During erosion, heavy metals contaminate soil and water and some crop plants are particularly effective at extracting heavy metals and storing them in the tissues that consumers eat. For example, high levels of heavy metals have been detected in root vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes, but also in rice (arsenic).

“Fossil fuels, which come from deep within the Earth, also release heavy metals into the air when burned. These substances are then deposited in soil and water. Finally, some fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides also contain heavy metals which can further contaminate local soil and water,” adds Michael White.

How to choose your protein powders

To limit the risk of exposure to lead, it is therefore advisable to prefer protein products of dairy or animal origin, as they seem less contaminated than plant products. It is also better to avoid high doses and long-term intake. “Occasionally exceeding recommended daily doses of heavy metals is not likely to cause serious health problems. However, repeated and significant exposure to heavy metals can be harmful. advises the pharmacologist.

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