Protein powders and shakes are more popular than ever\u2014touted as workout fuel or even meal replacements. But a new Consumer Reports investigation uncovered a hidden risk: some of these supplements contain concerning levels of lead.<\/p>\n
Consumer Reports tested 23 popular protein powders and shakes. The results?Over two-thirds contained more lead in a single serving than what CR\u2019s experts consider safe for an entire day. In some cases, levels were more than ten times higher.<\/p>\n
Plant-based products had the most concerning results. Plant-based powders had some of the highest levels of lead. They were nine times higher than the dairy-based protein powders CR tested, and double that of the beef-based powders CR tested.<\/p>\n
Naked Nutrition\u2019s Vegan Mass Gainer tested at roughly 1,570 percent of CR\u2019s daily lead limit. Huel\u2019s Black Edition vegan powder also raised concerns, with more than 1,200 percent. According to CR\u2019s experts, these products should be avoided altogether.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for Huel said its ingredients undergo \u201crigorous testing\u201d and that it was \u201cconfident in the current formulation and safety of the products.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to CR\u2019s findings, Naked Nutrition has requested a third-party test of its Mass Gainer Supplement powder and said, \u201cWe take our customers\u2019 health very seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
What about other types of protein supplements? Consumer Reports Investigative Reporter, Paris Martineau, says, \u201cWhen it comes to the dairy-based protein powders and shakes that we tested, we found that they had the lowest amounts of lead generally. Still, about half of the products that we tested had concerning enough levels of lead or other contaminants that CR\u2019s experts advise not to use them daily.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nutritionists say most people don\u2019t even need protein supplements. Everyday foods\u2014like beans, tofu, eggs, dairy, fish, and lean meats\u2014already supply enough.<\/p>\n
But if you use powders, experts say, be careful. CR experts say, given the risks,you may want to use these only occasionally.<\/p>\n
CR also notes that the nutrient most people lack is fiber, which is linked to better long-term health. Federal dietary guidelines currently recommend that adults get between 22 and 34 grams daily, depending on age and sex.<\/p>\n
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