Health

Nearly Half of Protein Powders Contain Harmful Levels of Toxic Heavy Metals Linked to Cancer and Brain Damage

January, 11, 2025-12:10

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Nearly Half of Protein Powders Contain Harmful Levels of Toxic Heavy Metals Linked to Cancer and Brain Damage

Almost 50% of protein powders available contain harmful levels of toxic heavy metals associated with cancer and autism, according to tests.
Researchers detected lead, arsenic, and cadmium—metals linked to cancer, brain damage, and autism—in the most widely consumed supplements in the US.

In a study examining 160 products, Clean Label Project found that plant-based and all-natural nutritional supplements were the most problematic, with over 75% showing dangerously high lead levels.
“This research acts as a crucial alert for consumers, manufacturers, retailers, and regulators alike,” stated the Clean Label Project.
“With insufficient federal regulations specifically targeting heavy metals in dietary supplements, it’s essential for the industry to take independent, proactive steps.”

In addition to lead testing, which can lead to organ damage, high blood pressure, and anemia, researchers also examined for metals such as cadmium and arsenic, plus bisphenols linked to various cancers affecting the skin, lungs, prostate, kidneys, bladder, liver, breast, ovaries, testicles, and uterus.
There is no safe level of lead exposure. However, since it occurs naturally in the earth’s crust and has been used in modern industry for centuries, completely eradicating it from our lives and surroundings is unfeasible.
Organic products surprisingly exhibited greater levels of heavy metal contamination, averaging three times more lead and double the cadmium than their non-organic counterparts. Plant-based protein powders were particularly concerning, containing three times more lead compared to whey-based options.

Additionally, chocolate-flavored powders were found to have about four times more lead than vanilla varieties.

The higher metal levels in plant-based products arise from plants' natural tendency to absorb heavy metals from soil contaminated with mining, industrial waste, and certain pesticides and fertilizers.