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Two-Thirds of Protein Powders Contain Unsafe Lead Levels

10/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

Consumer Reports found that over two-thirds of tested protein powders contained unsafe lead levels, with some exceeding safe limits by more than ten times.
Plant-based powders had higher lead concentrations than whey, but experts Kelly Jones and Clara Nosek warned against alarmism due to the study's lack of transparency and rigorous methodology.
They advised consumers to choose reputable brands with third-party certifications, as the FDA's lead exposure safety levels are significantly higher than those used in the study.

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Story summary

Consumer Reports found that over two-thirds of tested protein powders contained unsafe lead levels, with some exceeding safe limits by more than ten times.
Plant-based powders had higher lead concentrations than whey, but experts Kelly Jones and Clara Nosek warned against alarmism due to the study's lack of transparency and rigorous methodology.
They advised consumers to choose reputable brands with third-party certifications, as the FDA's lead exposure safety levels are significantly higher than those used in the study.