‘Alarmist’ or alarming? Report finds lead in protein powders

John Vennavally-Rao reports on the findings from the investigation that found lead in numerous popular protein powders and how the industry is reacting.

Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders and shakes and found that over two-thirds of them contained more lead in a single serving than what its experts considered safe for an entire day. In some cases, the lead levels were ten times higher than their daily limit. The independent non-profit group noted this is not a new issue.

“It’s concerning that these results are even worse than the last time we tested,” says Paris Martineau, an investigative reporter with Consumer Reports.

The report’s experts advise against daily use for about half of the products tested due to concerning levels of lead and other contaminants.

At Toronto’s Studio Fitness, personal trainer Clementine Nauzin often recommends protein shakes to clients looking to build muscle and aid recovery. She consumes them twice a day herself.

“I tend to have a protein shake as soon as I get up, like my breakfast smoothie,” says Nauzin. “It’s very quick convenience on the go and then I always have a protein shake after I work out.”

For her, protein is key.

“Protein is honestly your best friend for any health or fitness goals,” she says, adding that more people have learned about its importance.

While the gym ensures the protein powder they use in their drinks is healthy, Nauzin expressed concern over the new report that raises questions about brands they don’t use.

“They should really tackle that issue because it becomes a really important safety hazard,” she says.

Experts at Consumer Reports went so far as to recommend consumers avoid two specific products. Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel’s Black Edition, which is not sold in Canada.

Based on their investigation the experts recommend consumers may want to moderate their intake of other products.

The danger of repeated exposure

The concern is not necessarily immediate harm, but the repeated consumption over time. Experts say continued exposure could allow small amounts of lead to build up in the body and cause health issues.

“In children we’re talking neurodevelopmental problems. And in adults it could lead to mood disorders, cognitive decline, kidney disease and reproductive problems,” says Lawrence Goodridge, who is a food safety professor at the University of Guelph.

Goodridge recommends moderation and says whole foods like eggs, meat, and beans are a better source of protein. He stressed that there is no such thing as a safe level of lead.

The current issue, he notes, is that protein powders have become what he calls “something of a fad” where people are consuming them constantly.

Plant-based products and industry pushback

The report found that plant-based protein powders generally had some of the highest concentrations of lead and found dairy and animal-based products had lower levels.

In a statement, an industry group named the Natural Products Association pushed back on the report, calling it “alarmist, misleading and unscientific.” They added that “the levels of lead flagged by Consumer Reports are far below amounts present in many foods, including some fruits and vegetables.”

Lead is a heavy metal that can be found in soil, air and water due to both natural processes and human activity.

Huel issued a statement saying it was “extremely disappointed” by the report. The company argued that the lead levels in its Huel Black Edition product are “extremely similar” to what you would find in two slices of bread or a litre of tap water.

Naked Nutrition says, “no heavy metals exceeded FDA reference intake levels for adults, including for sensitive groups such as women of childbearing age.”

The Consumer Reports article was based on very strict standards imposed by California which sets a daily threshold of 0.5 micrograms (µg) of lead per day.

Still, some experts emphasize that consuming protein powder in moderation is key. Consumer Reports recommends scrutinizing your protein shakes and that you may want to consume them only on occasion.