Protein powder may seem like a harmless shortcut to hit daily goals, but recent Consumer Reports tests found troubling lead levels in many top brands. Curious what that means for your routine—and whether you really need these supplements? Read on.
Consumer Reports testing: what was found and key numbers
Consumer Reports recently checked many popular protein powders. They looked for harmful substances, like heavy metals. The results showed a real problem. Many products had concerning lead levels. Some also contained cadmium and arsenic. These are not good for your health. This is especially true if you use protein powder often. Some powders had enough lead to cause worry. This was true even when used just once a day. The tests found that about 31% of products had at least one heavy metal. These levels could be risky for daily users. This means many people might be getting more lead than they realize. It’s a big concern for those trying to stay healthy.
Why plant-based powders show higher heavy-metal contamination
It might seem odd, but plant-based protein powders often have more heavy metals. This happens because of how plants grow. Plants naturally take things from the soil. This includes water, nutrients, and sometimes unwanted metals. Things like lead, cadmium, and arsenic are found in soil. They can get there from pollution or just naturally. So, when plants like rice, soy, or peas grow, they absorb these metals. If these plants are used to make protein powder, the metals come along too. Animal-based powders, like whey, usually don’t have this issue. Animals process these metals differently. Also, the soil quality where plants grow is very important. Some areas have more heavy metals in their ground. This makes the problem worse for plant-based options. It’s not the plant itself, but what it absorbs from its environment.
Health risks of lead and daily-use implications
It’s really important to understand why lead is so bad for us. Even small amounts can cause serious health problems. Lead can hurt your brain, kidneys, and bones. It’s especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women. Their bodies are more sensitive to its effects. For kids, it can affect how they learn and grow. For adults, long-term exposure can lead to high blood pressure. It can also cause nerve damage. Think about using protein powder every day. If your powder has lead, those small amounts add up. Over time, this daily intake can become a real risk. There’s no safe level of lead exposure. So, even a little bit from your supplement can be harmful. That’s why checking for heavy metals is so crucial.
Practical tips: safer protein choices and buying guidance
Choosing a safer protein powder doesn’t have to be hard. First, always look for products that have been tested by a third party. These tests check for heavy metals and other bad stuff. Certifications like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed-Sport are good signs. They mean the product has been checked independently. Also, read the ingredient list carefully. Try to pick powders with fewer ingredients. Less is often more when it comes to supplements. Don’t forget about whole food protein sources. Foods like lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts are excellent. They give you protein without the worry of added contaminants. You might not even need a powder if you eat enough of these. If you do use powders, think about switching brands sometimes. This can help lower your exposure to any single source of heavy metals. Remember, your health is worth the extra effort in choosing wisely.
Fonte: Fortune.com
