California may test protein powder for heavy metals
There's mounting evidence of widespread contamination of the popular powders
Millions of us glug down protein shakes and smoothies daily, hoping to power up, slim down and generally get with the wellness trend. But like so many hyped wellness, there’s growing evidence that all these potions, salves and so forth aren’t as healthy as you might hope.
Protein powder in particular is looking a little shady after evidence that some powders contain excessive levels of heavy metals. A bill now pending in California would require manufacturers to publicly disclose levels of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in their products.
Senate Bill 1033, authored by state Sen. Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) and co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Consumer Reports, would technically only apply in California but would be felt nationwide as test results there became public knowledge.
“The rapidly expanding protein industry is putting untested and, in some cases, unsafe products onto store shelves,” said Senator Padilla. “We need to put common-sense guardrails in place to hold manufacturers accountable, require proper testing, and ensure families can trust that the products they buy won’t put their health at risk.”
Big exposure, little oversight
Protein shakes and powders – added to everything from salads to coffee – have become a daily staple for millions and are consumed by athletes, teens, pregnant people and those using appetite-suppressing medications. They products can boost muscle recovery, provide an easy portable source of protein and help in weight management.
Despite their widespread use, these products face no routine tests or public disclosure requirements for toxic heavy metals, unlike baby food and prenatal vitamins.
Independent tests have repeatedly found cause for concern.
A Consumer Reports investigation last year found detectable lead in nearly every protein powder and shake tested. Some single servings contained enough lead to cause a woman of childbearing age to exceed the recommended daily limit for lead from food by the Food and Drug Administration.
“When a single scoop of protein powder can push someone past recommended limits for lead, it’s a clear sign the system is failing consumers, especially those who are pregnant or using protein products every day,” said Susan Little, California legislative director for EWG.
Another study from last year discovered that nearly half of the tested products exceeded at least one state or federal safety limit for lead, cadmium, mercury or arsenic.
Widespread contamination
“Our tests have found that toxic heavy metal contamination in protein powder is widespread and has gotten worse since we first analyzed these products 15 years ago,” said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports.
“No one should have to worry that their protein shake could expose them to dangerous levels of lead and other contaminants. This bill will help Californians make healthier buying decisions and create a strong incentive for protein powder manufacturers to get lead and other toxic elements out of their products. We commend Sen. Padilla for his great work on this bill,” Ronholm added.
Federal standards also fall short of protecting frequent users.
The FDA’s limits for lead are based on exposure that would come from a full day of typical food consumption. Its recommendations do not apply to concentrated products like protein powders, which many consumers ingest multiple times daily.
“Many people have two, three or even four servings of protein powders a day,” Little said. “Without routine tests and public disclosure, consumers have no way to assess their risk.”
Serious health risks
Heavy metals are potent toxins, and even low-level, repeated exposure can cause lasting and irreversible harm.
“Every effort should be made to limit lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic contamination of food,” said Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D. a senior scientist at EWG. “Testing and verifying that lead levels are as close to zero as possible is necessary, especially when people consume these products day after day.”
Public health experts warn that heavy metals are well-established neurotoxins that can damage the brain and nervous system, particularly in children. But adults are also at serious risk. Chronic exposure to lead has been linked to cardiovascular disease and long-term neurological damage, while cadmium, mercury and arsenic can harm the heart, kidneys, immune system and digestive system, and cancer.
Risks are highest for pregnant people and the developing fetus, where exposure has been associated with low birth weight, preterm birth, birth defects and lasting neurodevelopmental effects.