In a new investigation, Consumer Reports (CR) commissioned laboratory analysis of 23 popular protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes sold online and in major retailers.
The products covered plant, dairy and beef based formulations in common chocolate and vanilla flavors, CR reported.
CR said that most of the 23 products tested exceeded its own internal daily lead threshold of 0.5 micrograms per serving.
In a small group of plant based powders, measured lead content was reported at well over ten times that level.
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The same tests also identified cadmium and inorganic arsenic in several brands.
According to CR, all products still met or exceeded their labeled protein content, typically providing 20 to 60 grams per serving.
The concern is therefore not nutritional adequacy, but contaminant exposure over time.
Not approved
The report stresses that protein powders and shakes are treated as dietary supplements under US law.
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve these products before they reach the market and, according to CR’s description of federal data, inspects only a small share of manufacturers each year.
Protein hype and real need
Many consumers still add protein supplements because they believe their diet is insufficient, even though most already exceed recommended protein intakes.
CR experts and outside physicians question whether extra exposure to lead and other metals is justified when most healthy adults can meet protein needs through ordinary foods.
The report concludes that, for many users, routine reliance on protein powders is unnecessary and that limiting use, especially of the most contaminated products, is a prudent step.
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Sources: Consumer Reports.
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