Some protein powders and shakes tested by Consumer Reports were found to contain levels of lead, a heavy metal, that experts suggest could increase the risk of long-term health issues. A study conducted by scientists employed by Consumer Reports, an independent non-profit organization based in the U.S., examined 23 popular protein products and discovered lead levels ranging from zero to 7.7 micrograms per serving — surpassing the strict limits established by the state of California. These limits, however, are more stringent compared to those of certain other health authorities, including Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard for females of childbearing age.
Lead is a toxic substance with no safe level for human consumption, despite being present in many foods due to its presence in the environment. Consumer Reports noted that most plant-based protein products they examined had elevated lead levels compared to animal-based products. The results have raised concerns about the safety of regularly using these popular supplements and how they are overseen in Canada, as stated by Lawrence Goodridge, a food safety professor at the University of Guelph.
In the study, Consumer Reports purchased and tested two or three samples of 23 protein products, including dairy, beef, and plant-based protein supplements like protein powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes, at a lab for heavy metals, including lead. The report emphasized lead as the predominant heavy metal detected, with the most contaminated products containing 7.7 micrograms of lead, surpassing what the average American typically consumes in a day. Using California’s stringent standard of 0.5 micrograms of lead per day for daily intake, Consumer Reports highlighted potential risks associated with these products.
The presence of lead in protein powders is not a new revelation. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been monitoring toxic metals, including lead and cadmium, in protein powders since 2011. A recent spot check of beverages in 2018-2019 indicated that protein powders had the highest average lead contamination among the tested products; however, Health Canada concluded that these levels did not pose a health hazard to Canadians.
Lead exposure can lead to severe health problems, especially in vulnerable populations. For instance, in young children, it can hinder neurological development, while adults who regularly consume products containing lead may experience cognitive decline, mood disorders, chronic kidney disease, and reproductive issues, according to Goodridge. To mitigate risks, Goodridge recommended individuals to fulfill their protein needs through whole foods and limit the use of protein powder to occasional consumption, especially for susceptible groups like children, pregnant individuals, or those who are immunocompromised.
Regarding regulation in Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency oversees the surveillance of chemical residues in foods to ensure compliance with Canadian regulations, while Health Canada determines the maximum permissible levels of environmental and industrial pollutants in food products. Health Canada stated that the lead concentrations found in the Consumer Reports investigation were within the allowable background levels in Canada and did not necessitate immediate risk management measures. Protein products marketed for general consumption are regulated by Health Canada as food products, while those intended for muscle-building are classified as natural health products, with set maximum limits for lead intake aligned with international standards.
Although Health Canada monitors trace levels of elements like lead in food, it places the onus on companies to test their products for impurities and issue recalls if necessary. While lead is not permitted to be intentionally added to foods sold in Canada, its presence in foods results from environmental factors, with plant-based powders like pea, soy, and rice potentially concentrating lead due to plant material absorption.
In response to the findings, some companies defended their products by stating that they comply with federal U.S. or European Union regulations for lead. For instance, Naked Nutrition highlighted that their Naked Vegan Mass Gainer, the only vegan weight gain product included in the Consumer Reports study, aligns with the heavy metal levels of other plant-based protein products when analyzed on a per-gram basis. Huel disputed the report’s alarmist tone and clarified that their products, including Huel Black Edition, are not currently available in Canada, emphasizing their products’ nutritional completeness.
The article underscores the importance of consumer awareness and diligence in choosing protein supplements, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes whole foods for protein intake and emphasizes the significance of independent product testing for safety assurance.