Is There Lead in Protein Powder? What You Need to Know About Safety and Supplement Quality
The recent headlines
You might have seen worrying headlines claiming that protein powders contain “high levels of lead.” That might sound alarming, especially if you use protein shakes every day.
As a certified personal trainer who believes in science over scare tactics, I wanted to dig into the actual research behind those claims. The report everyone’s talking about comes from Consumer Reports (2025), which tested several popular protein powders and shakes for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
Let’s unpack what they found, and what it really means for your health.
What the Consumer Reports study actually tested
Consumer Reports sent 23 protein powders to an independent, accredited laboratory. The lab used a sensitive testing method (ICP-MS) capable of detecting metals at parts per billion (ppb). That’s like finding one grain of sand in an entire sandbox.
They measured how much lead was present per serving (in micrograms, or µg) and compared it to California’s strictest health-based guideline called the MADL (Maximum Allowable Dose Level).
For reference:
1 mg = 1,000 µg (micrograms)
1 ppb = 1 µg of lead per kilogram of product
The products contained between 4 and 8 µg of lead per serving, which is extremely small (approximately 0.000004 to 0.000008 grams).
How these results compare to international safety limits
When you put those results beside international safety standards, the picture becomes much clearer:
European Union standard:
The EU’s maximum allowable level for lead in food supplements is 0.10 mg per kilogram, which equals 100 µg/kg, or 100 ppb.Canadian guideline:
Health Canada’s tolerable daily intake for lead from natural health products is 0.29 µg per kilogram of body weight per day.
For an average 70 kg adult, that’s about 20 µg of lead per day.
To compare:
The protein powders tested by Consumer Reports contained 4 to 8 µg of lead per serving, which is well below both the EU concentration limit (100 µg/kg) and Canada’s daily tolerable intake (20 µg/day).
In other words, the levels found are small enough that they pose no health risk for normal supplement use.
Why headlines can sound scarier than the science
Consumer Reports based its warnings on California’s MADL — a benchmark designed to minimize exposure as much as possible, even for the most vulnerable individuals over a lifetime.
That benchmark is far stricter than the limits set by global food safety authorities. So a product might be flagged in California but still meet every international standard for safety and compliance.
Also, trace amounts of metals like lead naturally occur in soil and plants. Ingredients such as pea protein, rice, or cacaocan contain tiny amounts of these minerals just from where they’re grown. It doesn’t mean the product is unsafe — it’s part of nature’s chemistry.
What this means for your supplement choices
The supplement industry isn’t perfectly regulated, so choosing reputable brands still matters. Here are simple ways to protect yourself and your investment:
Buy from trusted companies that publish independent third-party lab results or Certificates of Analysis.
Stick to serving sizes on the label — more isn’t better.
Avoid vague “proprietary blends.” If the company won’t tell you what’s inside, that’s a red flag.
Look for certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport, which ensure quality testing for contaminants.
If you’re using a quality protein powder once or twice a day, you are not at risk from lead exposure. The research shows these products are well within safe limits.
The bottom line
The recent Consumer Reports investigation was valuable in highlighting the importance of supplement transparency — but it doesn’t show that protein powders are dangerous.
Independent lab tests did detect trace amounts of lead, yet the concentrations and daily exposures are far below international safety limits.
So you can keep using your protein powder with confidence — just make sure you’re choosing brands that value quality and accountability.
Train smart, fuel smart
At Rise with Lana, I help clients navigate fitness and nutrition without confusion or fear. My coaching focuses on evidence-based training, real nutrition guidance, and helping you understand what truly matters for your health.
Whether you’re training in Wicklow or Dublin or prefer virtual coaching online, I’ll help you make smart, sustainable decisions — from your workouts to your supplements.
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References:
Consumer Reports (2025). Protein Powders and Shakes Contain Heavy Metals – Methodology and Results.
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.
Health Canada (2022). Tolerable Limits for Elements in Natural Health Products.