{"id":188488,"date":"2025-12-17T01:31:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-17T01:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/188488\/"},"modified":"2025-12-17T01:31:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T01:31:08","slug":"shaken-not-safe-why-lead-in-protein-powder-is-raising-red-flags","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/188488\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaken, not safe? Why lead in protein powder is raising red flags"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n \"scoop <\/p>\n


\n scoop of protein powder \n <\/p>\n


\n <\/a> <\/p>\n

A recent Consumer Reports investigation<\/a> has found that many protein powders and shakes contain troubling amounts of lead.<\/p>\n

A study of 23 protein products suggested that many powders could have risk due to lead contamination. The experts reviewed dairy, beef and plant-based protein supplements, including powders and ready-to-drink shakes. Testing showed that plant-based and chocolate flavors had the highest lead levels. Dairy-based options typically had lower lead levels but were not completely safe.<\/p>\n

According to Nicole O\u2019Neill, a dietitian<\/a> with OSF HealthCare, there is no way to avoid small amounts of lead in products. \u201cThe concern is lead as a heavy metal probably shouldn’t be in our bodies,\u201d says O\u2019Neill. \u201cSure, makes all kinds of sense. There are systems in place in our bodies that there’s things that we can do to mitigate that. But if you’re eating a protein shake daily and it has a significant amount of lead in it, that could be problematic.\u201d<\/p>\n

The investigation is based on what some experts say is a conservative maximum daily dose level of 0.5 micrograms per day, which was set by California\u2019s Proposition 65, a law that protects the state’s drinking water sources from being contaminated with chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.<\/p>\n

Experts like O\u2019Neill say there isn\u2019t really a safe level of exposure to lead. It can impact any organ and can cause neurological disorders ranging from behavioral problems to brain damage. It can also impact kidney function and high blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Lead is found in the soil virtually anywhere in the world. \u201cIf you do a lot of gardening, lead is in the dirt,\u201d says O\u2019Neill. \u201cIf you work in a garage, lead can be in the batteries or the paint. If you’re renovating a home, it’s going to maybe be in the paint or some of the other building materials.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who needs protein?\u00a0<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neill says if you examine the topic of lead and how much is too much, the underlying question is, do you even need a protein shake in the first place?<\/p>\n

A healthy adult probably doesn\u2019t need a protein shake, she says. Same goes for young children. \u201cPeople who need a protein shake are people who just don’t eat enough, they have a poor appetite, or they’re just never hungry in the morning,\u201d says O\u2019Neill. \u201cPeople who are trying to build muscle, like an athlete, especially a younger athlete who\u2019s trying to really bulk up, food is always going to be a better option.\u201d<\/p>\n

The best sources of protein include beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish. Eggs are good, and so is Greek yogurt. Other options are tofu, nuts, seeds and beans.\u00a0<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neill says if you decide to use a supplement with protein powder, go with a whey-based vanilla and don\u2019t rely on it every day.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy biggest gripe with a protein shake is it’s pretty one dimensional,\u201d says O\u2019Neill. \u201cYou drink it down, it’s gone. Whereas food, you chew it, it takes a little bit more time and you get some actual satisfaction out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you’re struggling getting enough protein in your diet, O\u2019Neill suggests talking to your provider or a dietitian. \u201cYou need protein,\u201d she adds. \u201cIf you find yourself in a position where you need more protein, you\u2019re not getting enough, a protein shake does make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Regarding the Consumer Reports investigation, O\u2019Neill says more information is needed before going into a full-blown panic over lead in protein powder. But if you are concerned, take some time researching companies to see if they do lead testing on certain products. You can find options that are third-party tested or\u00a0NSF certified for sport<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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