An investigation into protein shakes has found them to contain dangerously unsafe levels of lead and other toxic heavy metals, Consumer Reports revealed on Tuesday. More than two-thirds of the 23 powders and shakes analyzed by the agency were found to contain more lead in a single serving than the 0.5 micrograms experts consider safe for human consumption. Researchers said plant-based proteins contain nine times more lead than dairy products such as whey. The report specifically flagged Naked Nutrition’s Vegan Mass Gainer and Huel’s Black Edition as “products to avoid” due to their high lead content. Huel defended its products with a statement on Tuesday, saying they “fully comply with international food safety regulations” and that the reported lead level “is well within internationally recognized safety limits.” Naked Nutrition, meanwhile, said its products were reliably sourced from “select suppliers,” but admitted they had requested a third-party test. Five products also contained dangerously high levels of cadmium and arsenic, which are considered human carcinogens by the EPA. “No one should have to worry that their protein shake could expose them to dangerous levels of lead,” said Consumer Reports director Brian Ronholm. “It’s time for the FDA to protect the public and hold industry accountable by setting strong limits on lead in protein powders and shakes.”
