Lead in Protein Powders: What You Need to Know (and What You Can do About It)

If you’ve seen the recent headlines about lead in protein powders, you’re not alone — many of my clients have reached out with questions and concerns.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on, where the lead is coming from, and what you can do to protect yourself without spiraling into fear or confusion.

What the New Study Found

Consumer Reports recently released an updated investigation into lead levels in popular protein powders, and the findings were eye-opening.
Lead levels in many of the tested products have actually increased since their last test 15 years ago.

So what does that mean for us? Let’s take a closer look.

How Much Lead Is “Safe”?

Here’s the truth: there is no safe level of lead in the human body.
The less, the better.

But we also have to be realistic — we live in a world where low-level lead exposure is nearly unavoidable. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness and reduction where possible.

The average U.S. adult takes in about 5.3 micrograms (mcg) of lead per day, while the FDA’s “safe” upper limit is 8.8 mcg/day. Personally, I don’t think any amount is truly safe — it’s more about minimizing avoidable exposures (like from certain protein powders or bars) so your body can handle the ones you can’t control (like trace amounts in soil or air).

Where Lead Comes From — and How It Gets Into Plants

Plants naturally draw micronutrients — including trace minerals and heavy metals — from the soil.
Their roots pull these materials in and store them within their cells.

Different species have different capacities to absorb these metals. Some plants are even used intentionally to clean contaminated soil, a process known as phytoremediation. It’s one of the many ways plants are truly amazing. Note: My BS degree started out in Abused Land Reclamation and transitioned to Rangeland Management so I did a lot of studying on this. 

Here’s the problem: lead can stay in soil for hundreds, even thousands, of years.
Historically, we’ve added lead to our environment through things like:

• Lead-based paint

• Leaded gasoline

• Lead-based pesticides

• Plumbing fixtures and solder

• Industrial emissions

• And even old military munitions

To make matters more complicated, lead doesn’t stay put. It can travel long distances through wind, rain, and clouds, meaning industrial emissions far away can still end up in your local soil.

Why Protein Powders Can Contain High Lead Levels

Here’s where it gets interesting.

When plants are made into protein powder, the water content is removed, concentrating everything left behind. That includes protein, minerals, and unfortunately, heavy metals like lead.

Think of it like this:

One grape becomes one raisin.
The water disappears, but the sugar (and nutrients) stay — so the raisin has a higher sugar concentration per ounce than a grape.

The same principle applies to pea, rice, or hemp protein powders. As the plant material is dehydrated and concentrated, any trace metals become more concentrated per serving as well.

What About Animal-Based Proteins?

Animal-based protein powders (like whey, collagen, and bone broth) aren’t immune, but they generally contain lower lead levels.

Here’s why:
Animals act as a “first filter.” Their bodies can excrete some toxins through urine and feces, and they store what’s left mostly in fat and bone tissue — just like humans do.

So while plant-based powders can accumulate more lead, not all animal-based options are automatically safe either — quality still matters.

The Takeaway: Focus on Clean, Whole, Minimally Processed Foods

Here’s what I tell my clients:
Whole food first, powders when needed.

Protein powders can be helpful for busy days or travel — I recommend them as support, not usually a daily staple over the longer term (unless you’ve vetted the brand). Variety in your diet also helps diversify nutrients, strengthen the gut, and support detox pathways.

If you rely on protein powder regularly, choose a brand that’s third-party tested for contaminants. Look for NSF, Informed Sport, or ConsumerLab certifications.

Trusted Brands (as of 2025)

Collagen Peptides (tested clean):

• Gnarly Collagen Pro

• Transparent Labs

• Vital Proteins

Whey Protein (daily use approved):

• Transparent Labs

• Optimum Nutrition

Plant-Based (occasional use):

• Vega

• Orgain

• Plant Fusion

(Note: The protein powders used in my seasonal cleanse programs are third-party tested and have both tested clean for lead.)

No Need to Panic — Your Body Has a Detox System

Here’s the good news: your body is incredibly intelligent.
It has built-in processes to handle toxins, including heavy metals.

Lead is primarily stored in bones, liver, and kidneys, and it’s excreted through urine, feces, sweat, and even breast milk. Supporting your natural detox pathways — through hydration, fiber, movement, and targeted nutrients — helps these systems work efficiently.

The Bigger Conversation: How Much Protein Do You Actually Need?

We’re living in a “protein craze” moment — and it’s worth another full post.
The truth is, protein needs are highly individual.

Some people are overdoing it (and relying on powders to get there), while others are under-consuming it without realizing it.
Stay tuned — I’ll be breaking this down in detail soon.

Final Thoughts

• Lead is everywhere — but knowledge is power.

• Choose clean, third-party-tested products when possible.

• Prioritize whole foods and variety.

• Support your body’s detox pathways daily with small, consistent actions.

And if you’re ready to take that support deeper...

Join My Next Seasonal Cleanse

If this article is piquing your interest in cleansing your system...
My 10-Day Liver Reset Cleanse (offered every spring and fall) is designed to help your detox systems function at their best — gently, naturally, and with real food.

We use clean, tested products, whole foods and simple daily practices that help you feel clearer, lighter, and more energized.

👉 Simply send me an email that you are interested in the spring 2025 cleanse and I'll send you a note when the details and sign up is ready! [email protected] 

Till next time, 

Karen 

Karen Mitchell, NBC-HWC, FNLP

Functional Nutrition Health Coach

Karen Mitchell Wellness 

References

• Consumer Reports: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead 

• FDA: Lead in Food and Foodwares 

• Frontiers in Plant Science: Plant Uptake of Heavy Metals 

• Consumer Reports: Lead and Cadmium in Chocolate 

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