The Truth About Protein Powders and Heavy Metals

Protein powders appear to be the safest supplement you could use. However, a recent report from the Clean label project has caused widespread panic. The report suggests nearly half of the most popular protein powders tested contain heavy metals (like lead) at levels exceeding government safety regulations. But everything is not as it appears. 

We are not here to question the accuracy of the results, but it’s worth mentioning the report is not based on a published study and has not been peer-reviewed. The Clean Label Project analyzed 160 protein powders from 70 “top brands,” so there are some gaps in what we know (such as what brands they tested). Their results found that:

• 47% of products exceeded safety guidelines for heavy metals like lead and cadmium, but they were not the FDA safety guidelines.
• Organic products had three times more lead and twice the cadmium than non-organic options.
• Plant-based proteins contained three times more lead than whey-based alternatives, due to how plants absorb metals from the soil.
• Chocolate-flavored powders had up to 110 times more cadmium than vanilla.

Despite these findings, experts agree that protein powders are unlikely to harm most people.

That’s because heavy metals exist naturally in soil, water, and food, meaning you’re exposed to small amounts daily, and your body can process and handle them up to a certain threshold. It’s hard to say if the powders tested are dangerous because The Clean Label Project did not list the products they examined or share the level of heavy metals, so we don’t know how much risk they pose.

Most people don’t realize drinking water can contain more lead than protein powder. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that drinking water can make up 20 percent or more of a person's total exposure to lead. And because lead is an elemental metal found in the earth, trace amounts are also found in plants, fruits, and vegetables.  

So, your goal isn’t to try and avoid all heavy metals but to reduce total exposure.
That’s why the latest study is a good reason to rethink your current protein powder, as most protein powders are not tested for heavy metals. If you want a protein powder that is guaranteed to have lower amounts of lead and cadmium, then you should only purchase products that are NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport. 

If you use a protein powder, you don’t need to fear all toxins because your body is built to handle them. Instead of avoiding everything toxic, be mindful of your overall exposure and try to purchase supplements that keep your safety in mind. 

Schwarzenneger, A. (2025, February 19). The Truth About Protein Powders and Heavy Metals. Arnold's Pump Club. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://arnoldspumpclub.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopxLdmS9Y0kPEzI8HqH9oVGAHzH9W1zWQ21UbDvp-LgS1qO-kvr