New report finds high levels of lead in some protein powders. A pharmacologist explains the data

New report finds high levels of lead in some protein powders. A pharmacologist explains the data Health Oct 18, 2025 4:57 PM EDT

This article originally appeared on The Conversation.

Powder and ready-to-drink protein sales have exploded, reaching over $32 billion globally from 2024 to 2025. Increasingly, consumers are using these protein sources daily .

A new study by Consumer Reports, published on Oct. 14, 2025, claims that some such protein products contain dangerously high levels of lead , as well as other heavy metals such as cadmium and arsenic. At high levels, these substances have serious, well-documented health risks .

I am a clinical pharmacologist who has evaluated the heavy metal content of baby food , calcium supplements and kratom products . Lead and oth