Your post-workout protein shake may contain hidden dangerous ingredients. A large proportion of over-the-counter protein powders contain lead and other toxic metals, a new report finds. at an unsafe level
Researchers from the non-profit Clean Labels Project took action. studyIt tested dozens of consumer protein powder brands. Of 160 products tested, 47% had levels of lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals. That exceeds the safety threshold set by Proposition 65, a 1986 law passed in California that regulates exposure to more than 900 substances within the state. Organic plant-based protein powders and chocolate are more likely to contain these metals than other brands, according to the report.
Although general lead exposure has decreased significantly since the 1970s (largely thanks to the phase-out of leaded gasoline), there are still some consumer products known to be at a higher risk of exposure. soiled Studying last summerFor example, it was found that almost half of all cocoa products Especially dark chocolate May contain unsafe levels of lead. Clean Labels Project researchers decided to test a variety of protein supplements for lead, cadmium, and other metals.
Researchers purchased and tested 160 protein powder products from 70 best-selling brands, which reportedly accounted for 83% of the market. In addition to the 47% of products that exceeded Prop 65 levels for lead and other metals, 21% found Lead levels were twice the Prop 65 limit. Powders containing approximately 65% chocolate had high lead levels, 77% of plant-based powders had high lead levels, and 79% of organic powders had high lead levels, including 41%. of products with lead levels twice the Prop 65 limit. These types of products tend to contain more cadmium than other brands.
“The study highlights that although the health conscious market is increasing, But many products may contain high levels of contaminants that are not reflected on traditional nutrition labels,” the report's authors write. The report declined to list specific brands that were found to contain lead and other metals, although it noted that collagen-based whey and powders were significantly less likely to be contaminated.
Safety criteria for lead and other substances The criteria established by Proposition 65 are more stringent than the criteria used by other organizations. Including the Food and Drug Administration. There are other researches. Also recommended that average heavy metal exposure from consuming protein powder supplements is unlikely to cause adverse health effects in people, such as a higher risk of cancer At the same time, there is no truly safe level Lead exposure and early exposure to lead In life it is known to increase risk. Development problems– The authors say their report is intended to be “A warning for consumers, manufacturers, retailers and regulators.”
There is at least one silver lining to this finding. Bisphenol levels These are hormone-disrupting chemicals thought to have a negative effect on people's health. The availability of protein powders has decreased significantly over the years. Only about 2% of products (3 out of 160) tested positive for these chemicals in this latest report, compared to 55% of products the organization tested as part of a similar report in 2018.