Consumer Reports finds lead concerns in many protein powders

Consumer Reports found lead levels above its daily threshold in many widely sold protein powders and ready-to-drink shakes, raising questions about a fast-growing supplement category used by many consumers every day. The group said the findings are a concern because protein powders are often taken routinely, sometimes more than once a day.

The nonprofit testing organization published the results Oct. 14 after examining 23 popular protein products sold in the U.S. Consumer Reports said more than two-thirds of the products contained more lead in one serving than its food safety experts consider acceptable for a full day.

Some products tested far above that benchmark, according to Consumer Reports. Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer contained 7.7 micrograms of lead per serving, which the group said equaled 1,572% of its level of concern. Huel Black Edition measured 6.3 micrograms per serving, or 1,288% of that level, Consumer Reports said.

Plant-based powders showed higher contamination

Consumer Reports said plant-based protein powders were the most contaminated category in its testing. Paris Martineau, the Consumer Reports journalist who led the reporting, told Fortune that average lead levels in plant-based products were about nine times those found in dairy-based proteins such as whey.

Martineau told Fortune that plants can absorb heavy metals from soil and the surrounding environment. She also said processing can concentrate contamination as ingredients such as peas are converted into protein powder.

The new review was Consumer Reports’ first broad test of protein powders and shakes since 2010. Martineau told Fortune the latest tests found both higher lead levels and a higher average level than the earlier testing, and that the worst product this time contained twice as much lead as the worst product tested 15 years ago.

Tunde Akinleye, a Consumer Reports chemist who led the testing, said in the group’s report that most protein powders should not be used daily because many had high levels of heavy metals and are not needed for most people to meet protein goals.

Limited oversight before products reach shelves

Consumer Reports said protein powders are regulated as dietary supplements, a category that does not require FDA approval before products are sold. Fortune reported that there is no federal cap for lead in protein powder, and that companies largely police their own testing and disclosure practices.

Fortune reported that the FDA inspected 600 of 12,000 registered supplement manufacturers last year. Of those inspections, 90 were at foreign plants, despite overseas factories playing a role in the U.S. supplement supply chain, according to Fortune.

Consumer Reports also pointed to a gap between private certification standards and its own safety benchmark. The group said NSF allows 10 micrograms of lead per day, while Consumer Reports uses 0.5 micrograms as its level of concern. Martineau told Fortune that Consumer Reports uses a conservative standard because there is no known safe amount of lead.

Martineau told Fortune that many people do not need as much protein as they think, except for certain groups such as some athletes, pregnant people and older adults. Harvard Health says the recommended daily allowance is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, which Fortune noted would be about 53 grams for a 140-pound adult.

Fortune reported that most Americans already exceed basic protein recommendations through regular diets. Martineau told Fortune that whole foods can often meet protein needs without relying on supplement powders.

This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.