Sales of protein powders and ready-to-drink protein products have surged, exceeding US$32 billion globally from 2024 to 2025. As consumers increasingly incorporate these protein sources into their daily diets, a recent study by Consumer Reports raises significant health concerns. Published on October 14, 2025, the study reveals alarming levels of lead and other heavy metals in several popular protein products, posing serious health risks.
The study assessed 23 protein products from various brands, examining the presence of lead, cadmium, and arsenic. It found that many of these products contained levels of heavy metals that exceed the safety thresholds established by health authorities. While some heavy metals, like lead, are naturally occurring in the environment, their accumulation in food products can lead to adverse health outcomes.
Methodology and Findings
Consumer Reports sent three samples of each protein product to an independent commercial laboratory for analysis. The organization deemed anything over 0.5 micrograms of lead per standard serving as potentially harmful. This threshold is significantly lower than the limit set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which allows for 5 micrograms of lead per day from any single dietary supplement.
In its findings, Consumer Reports indicated that 16 of the 23 products tested surpassed the 0.5 microgram threshold. Notably, four products exceeded 2.2 micrograms, which is the FDA’s recommended limit for lead consumption in children. Two of the tested products contained lead levels that reached 72% and 88% of the daily lead limit deemed safe for pregnant individuals. Furthermore, the study indicated that some products exceeded the safety cutoffs for cadmium and arsenic, with cadmium limits set at 4.1 micrograms and arsenic at 7 micrograms per day.
The data revealed a concerning trend: plant-derived protein products contained nine times more lead than dairy-based proteins, such as whey, and twice as much as beef-based protein products.
Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination
Heavy metals like lead are often found in volcanic rock, which can contaminate soil and water as it erodes. Additionally, certain crops are adept at absorbing heavy metals from the soil, leading to higher concentrations in plant-based products. The burning of fossil fuels also releases heavy metals into the environment, contributing to soil and water contamination. Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can further introduce heavy metals into the food supply.
Experts note that while occasional consumption of products with elevated heavy metal levels is unlikely to cause immediate harm, repeated exposure can lead to serious health issues. Accumulation of these metals in the body can impair cognitive function, damage nerves, weaken bones, and elevate blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Implications for Consumers
The findings from Consumer Reports underscore the need for consumers to be vigilant about their protein sources. Although all tested products contained lead levels significantly below the FDA’s maximum daily exposure limits, the variability in heavy metal concentrations highlights the importance of product testing and adherence to manufacturing standards.
To minimize exposure, consumers may opt for dairy or animal-based protein products, which tend to have lower heavy metal contamination. However, several plant-based products in the study had acceptable heavy metal levels.
Understanding serving sizes is also crucial, as the study’s findings were based on single servings of protein products, and heavy metal levels can fluctuate based on changes in ingredient sourcing. Furthermore, choosing organic plant-based products may yield lower heavy metal content compared to conventional options.
In summary, the Consumer Reports study serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with heavy metals in dietary supplements. As the market for protein products continues to grow, the call for stricter testing and manufacturing practices becomes increasingly urgent.
C. Michael White, a distinguished professor at the University of Connecticut, emphasizes the need for ongoing scrutiny in the protein supplement industry to protect consumer health.
