A study conducted by the independent Consumer Reports Association of America, published on Tuesday, showed that more than 12 types of protein powders it tested contained dangerous or worrying amounts of lead.
Consumer Reports indicated that the average levels of lead in these products are getting worse compared to previous years.
The organization warned that more than two-thirds of the 23 protein powders tested contained an amount of lead per serving that exceeded the safe amount that should be taken daily (0.5 micrograms).
Two products were found to contain such high levels of lead that Consumer Reports recommended that consumers never consume them.
The researcher responsible for the study, Tunde Akinleye, said, “We advise against using most protein powders daily because a large number of them contain high levels of heavy metals, and it is not necessary to consume any of them to achieve protein nutritional goals.”
In recent years, protein-rich foods and nutritional supplements have witnessed a noticeable boom in the health sector in the United States and Europe, and one of the reasons for this is that protein enhances the feeling of satiety and helps prevent overeating.
Athletes use these products to increase muscle mass in their bodies.
A number of health experts warn that Americans consume excessive amounts of protein, and do not need to add additional grams to their diets through expensive powders, drinks, or processed foods.