Recent studies have shown the presence of heavy metals in many protein products used as sports supplements for rapid recovery after exercise, muscle building and weight loss.. Scientists have found that many of these products contain lead and cadmium, as well as other hazardous substances..

Are Protein Powders Potentially Harmful to Your Health Protein powder is a special supplement that helps replenish protein reserves in the body.. A very popular product in the sports and beauty environment. Interested researchers because it is promoted by manufacturers as healthy, useful and safe. Clean Label Project Study Finds Many Protein Powders May Contain Dangerous Levels of Heavy Metals. Researchers tested 160 products from 70 leading protein powder brands - 83% of the market. For the study, an independent certified laboratory conducted approximately 36,000 tests for 258 different contaminants..

77% plant based protein powders, 79% organic protein powders and 65% chocolate flavored protein powders tested to Prop 65 limits.

On January 9, a new report from food safety experts was published.

“The study results highlight that despite a growing health-conscious market, many foods may contain elevated levels of contaminants that are not reflected on traditional food labels,” the report states.. What Contaminants Are Found in Protein Powders The January 9 report published only test results for lead, cadmium, BPA and BPS. Data on other pollutants will be released later,"

Heavy metals have actually been found in protein powders, which pose a danger to human health.. “Organic products on average showed higher levels of heavy metal contamination: three times more lead and twice as much cadmium compared to non-organic products.. Of particular concern are plant-based protein powders, which contain three times more lead than whey-based alternatives, and chocolate-flavored powders contain four times more lead than vanilla,” the report said..

The purpose of this report is to start an important discussion about the safety of protein supplements and empower consumers to make more informed choices and encourage manufacturers to prioritize ingredient purity. By identifying these hidden risks, the Clean Label Project advocates for an industry-wide commitment to environmentally friendly products.

Lead and Cadmium in Protein Powders Most of the protein powders tested contained lead and cadmium.. “Lead is a known neurotoxin, and cadmium has harmful effects on bones and kidneys,” says Felicia Wu, Ph.D., professor of food safety, toxicology and risk assessment at Michigan State University..

What surprised the researchers was that certified organic foods had on average three times the lead content of non-organic foods.. Experts believe this is largely due to plant-based protein powders, which typically contain higher levels of contaminants.. Lead has been linked to developmental disorders and high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease. There is no safe concentration of lead in the blood. Cadmium is also unsafe for human health. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), chronic exposure to cadmium damages the kidneys, bones and lungs and increases the risk of certain types of cancer.. At the peak of negative data on cadmium and lead content in protein powders, there is some good news. Among 160 products tested, only three were found to contain bisphenols BPA and BPS, which are known endocrine disruptors with significant health risks..

Which protein powders contain heavy metals Given the information about the content of heavy metals in popular protein powders, it is interesting to know the manufacturers of potentially hazardous products and their names. But, unfortunately, the report does not contain the names of the brands and products tested. “We do not disclose the names of the companies we review to maintain fairness and avoid potential conflicts of interest,” says Jacqueline Bowen.

Plant-based protein powders made from rice, peas or soy contain three times more lead than whey protein powders, which are made from a liquid byproduct of cheese, according to a research report.. At the same time, chocolate-flavored protein powders contained four times more lead and up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla-flavored powders..

Are there safe protein powders without heavy metals Based on rigorous testing, the Clean Label Project has released a list of the " It includes brands such as WICKED Protein, Ritual and Needed.

Clean Label Project Certified Protein Powders: Should You Continue Using Your Protein Powder?

“It’s hard to say a definitive yes or no right now.”. More detailed information about daily protein powder consumption is needed to establish the true health risk,"

Clean Label experts note that there is data showing that whey-based or egg-based protein powders with vanilla flavor, as well as vanilla-flavored pea protein powders, contain the least amount of heavy metals.. When choosing your protein powder, it is better to make sure that it is of high quality..