In a groundbreaking effort to raise awareness among consumers, a recent report by the non-profit Clean Label Project has shed light on the alarming levels of potential contaminants found in over-the-counter protein powders in the United States. Testing 160 products from 70 of the top-selling brands, representing a whopping 83% of the market, the results revealed concerning levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. These heavy metals have been linked to a myriad of health issues and serious conditions.

Perhaps most shocking was the revelation that organic protein powders, typically associated with being healthier choices, actually showed higher levels of contamination compared to their non-organic counterparts. Organic powders had three times more lead and twice the amount of cadmium. Additionally, plant-based protein powders, often favoured for their environmental benefits, showed three times more lead and five times more cadmium than whey-based alternatives. Even the flavour of the powder made a difference, with chocolate powders found to contain significantly more lead and cadmium than vanilla varieties.

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The report highlighted the fact that heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can find their way into food products through various means, including soil contamination from human activities such as mining and industrial operations. The sources of contamination in protein powders were identified as both the soils where ingredients are grown and the packaging used for these products. This explains the higher levels of contaminants in plant-based powders, as they are more susceptible to absorbing these elements from the soil.

The report’s conclusion was clear: whey or collagen-based protein powders that are not chocolate-flavoured are the safest options when it comes to avoiding lead contamination. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being mindful of what we put into our bodies and the potential risks associated with seemingly innocuous products. Consumers are urged to educate themselves on the risks of heavy metal contamination in protein powders and make informed choices to protect their health and well-being. Here, at Kaizen, we can proudly say that we supply True Non-Denatured Whey Protein Concentrate. Unheated, Untouched, Full Spectrum Whey Protein! Truly the Finest Whey Protein available.