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THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT PROTEIN POWDERS
Consumer Reports just tested 23 popular protein powders and found that over two-thirds contain more lead in a single serving than experts say is safe to consume in a day. Some contained up to 10x the safe limit.
Heavy metals occur naturally in soil, so anything grown in the ground has the potential to contain trace levels. That includes the agriculture products used in protein powders like peas, rice, and milk.
While the FDA's interim reference level is 8.8 micrograms per serving, California's Prop 65 sets a stricter threshold of just 0.5 micrograms per serving.
Plant-based proteins are more prone to lead content since they are made with ingredients grown in soil. Whey protein is typically a better option if you're looking to lower your exposure.
That's why it's critical that your favorite brands take their ingredient selection and testing very seriously. Third-party testing is non-negotiable.
Lower is better - Gainful Isolate-Only Whey Protein tested up to 280x less lead than competitors
All protein powders, whether plant-based or animal-based, may contain trace amounts of naturally occurring heavy metals like lead. These trace levels are primarily from the soil where ingredients are grown, not from contamination during manufacturing. We test every lot of raw materials and finished products to ensure they meet or exceed federal safety standards. Our whey protein products testwell belowthe threshold set by California Proposition 65 for lead, the strictest standard for heavy metals. Our plant-based products test well below the FDA IRL threshold, however occasionally slightly exceed the Prop65 threshold, thus for compliance in the state of California, we do include a Prop 65 warning to be fully transparent with our customers.
No. The trace levels found in our products aresignificantly lowerthan what’s considered unsafe for human health. In fact, the naturally occurring lead levels in many fruits, vegetables, and nuts are comparable to or higher than those in many protein powders!
Plant-based ingredients are grown in soil that naturally contains trace levels of heavy metals. Because plants absorb these minerals, plant proteins often have higher naturally occurring levels than whey.
Even though these levels arenot considered dangerous, California requires a Prop 65 warning if the amount exceeds thevery low “no significant risk” level,which is about 18x more conservative than federal standards!
We partner with NSF certified manufacturing facilities that follow Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and test:
Our whey protein consistently testswell below Prop 65 levels, and our plant protein remains withinsafe levels established by the FDA.
No. Consuming protein powder at recommended serving sizes is safe for healthy adults. The levels present are far lower than amounts associated with any adverse effects. If you’re concerned, keep in mind that most people are exposed to small amounts of heavy metals daily through foods like spinach, potatoes, nuts, and even drinking water.
The warning is abouttransparency, not danger. Prop 65 requires a label when exposure could exceed a very low threshold (18x lower than the federal recommendation) even if it’s still well below levels the FDA considers harmful. Many trusted brands include this warning on plant-based protein powders.
