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Be cautious of substituting protein | High levels of heavy metals reported in leading brands - A recent report of Clean Label, the US-based non-profit focuses on Public Health

Protein powder is a widely used supplement, endorsed by social media influencers and fitness enthusiasts alike for its ability to aid in muscle building and achieving macronutrient targets. However, a recent report highlights safety concerns regarding these supplements, revealing that numerous protein powders contain cadmium and lead levels that exceed acceptable limits. Lead is associated with damage to the brain and central nervous system, as well as developmental problems in children, whereas cadmium can disrupt kidney function and bone health and may increase the risk of certain cancers.


Due to changing dietary habits, sports nutrition demand, rise in vegetarian / vegan diets, fitness industry evolution, and e-commerce growth, the protein powder market size has grown strongly in recent years.

The protein powder is segmented as – 1) By Type: Casein Protein, Whey Protein, Egg Protein, Soy Protein 2) By Flavor: Chocolate, Cookies And Cream, Vanilla, Strawberry, Other Flavors 3) By Sources: Plant Sources, Animal Sources

Plant-based protein powders have higher levels of heavy metals than non-plant-based protein powders.

Due to changing dietary habits, sports nutrition demand, rise in vegetarian / vegan diets, fitness industry evolution, and e-commerce growth, the protein powder market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $26.94 billion in 2024 to $28.82 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% and the future growth has been forecasted as 8.3% in 2029. The unavailability standards and regulations on metal existence and dosages per intake is alarming globally, and it's a threat in a growing country like India.


Be cautious of substituting protein | High levels of heavy metals reported in leading brands. - A recent report of Clean Label, the US-based non-profit focuses on Public Health
Be cautious of substituting protein | High levels of heavy metals reported in leading brands. - A recent report of Clean Label, the US-based non-profit focuses on Public Health

According to the Clean Label report, tests were conducted on 160 products from 70 leading protein powder brands, covering 83% of the market. The nonprofit organization selected and purchased 134 of the best-selling protein powder products in the US from store shelves or online, based on Nielsen data, Amazon.com's best seller list, and consumer favorites from fitness blogs.



Ellipse Analytics, an independent lab then tested each protein powder for industrial and environmental contaminants. The worst offenders were the plant-based protein powders, which lab testing revealed the outcoms of the report.


“It’s horrifying to think people who are trying to eat healthier by incorporating a nutritional protein powder supplement into their diet may actually be ingesting lead and BPA,” said Jackie Bowen, MPH, MS, Clean Label Project executive director. “While the study revealed plenty of clean protein powder options, this study clearly showed a significant quality variation among top-selling products.”

Dr.Sean Callan, Director of Operations and Quality, Ellipse Analytics and Jackie Bowen, MPH, MS, Executive Director, Clean Label Project (Photo: Scott Smith), Photo courtesy, https://wjla.com/ abc7NEWS
Dr.Sean Callan, Director of Operations and Quality, Ellipse Analytics and Jackie Bowen, MPH, MS, Executive Director, Clean Label Project (Photo: Scott Smith), Photo courtesy, https://wjla.com/ abc7NEWS

Plant-based protein powders have higher levels of heavy metals than non-plant-based protein powders,” said Sean Callan, PhD, director of operations and quality at Ellipse Analytics, the third-party analytical chemistry laboratory that performed the testing. “This could be due to the locations where the protein powder manufacturers’ plant ingredients are sourced having contaminated soil. This is especially true in the United States where there may be a higher incidence of heavy metals in the soil of some regions.”



Denver, Coloroda, US -based Clean Label Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about the toxins and nutritional value in consumer products through its studies conducted by independent third-party laboratories. By sharing the results of scientific data directly with consumers, the organization seeks to assist the public in making the most informed choice possible each time they shop. The Clean Label Project believes consumers have a right to know what kinds of contaminants it tests for in consumer goods and the potential effects of toxins on health.



What happens when lead and cadmium enter our body!

Studies identify a direct link between its intake from food to up to a three-fold increase in cancer mortality and up to a four-fold increase in the risk of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). High amounts of lead consumed over a short period can cause several health problems. Some of the symptoms of lead poisoning are high blood pressure, abdominal pain, constipation, joint and muscle pain, pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities, headache, miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women, fatigue, and, memory loss.

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"With the lack of comprehensive federal regulations specifically addressing heavy metals in dietary supplements, it is critical that the industry independently takes proactive measures," the report read.


Heavy metals like zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese are vital in small amounts but can cause serious harm if they accumulate to toxic levels.


Heavy metals from contaminated foodstuff and water enter the body through the digestive tract where they are absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestinal membrane. Once these heavy metals are integrated within the body, the majority are eliminated by the renal system within the urine, but a smaller portion remains within the bloodstream and/or is re-absorbed by the kidneys and eventually accumulates within the liver, kidneys, and bones, as per a report published in Nature.


  • A new report found higher-than-acceptable levels of the harmful metals cadmium and lead in many protein powders.


  • Organic, plant-based, and chocolate-flavored protein powders had the highest levels of contamination.


  • Experts say you likely won’t be impacted by low amounts of protein powder, but the safest option is to get your protein from whole foods.


Exercise caution when selecting a brand for your protein powder. Opt for a reputable company and ensure they conduct third-party metal testing. Verify the product's certifications, such as NSF certification. Additionally, instead of solely depending on supplements, include natural protein-rich foods in your diet to prevent surpassing the recommended protein intake from powders.

Experts say you likely won’t be impacted by low amounts of protein powder, but the safest option is to get your protein from whole foods.

Foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, beans, quinoa, and nuts are high in protein and loaded with vital vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Unlike protein powder, these natural foods do not contain artificial additives and offer a balanced, sustainable energy source that aids in muscle growth and overall health. Additionally, they are simple to incorporate into daily meals, making them an excellent option for long-term wellness.

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