DiscoverBuilding Lifelong AthletesBLA 159: Does Your Protein Powder Contain Lead?!
BLA 159: Does Your Protein Powder Contain Lead?!

BLA 159: Does Your Protein Powder Contain Lead?!

Update: 2025-12-09
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You may have seen the headlines about lead in protein powders and probably are concerned. Before you throw out your tub, let's cut through the noise. We'll look at what the Consumer Reports investigation actually found, compare the different safety standards (FDA vs. Prop 65), and give you a practical framework to decide what's right for you.


Stop stressing over every health detail & start living! My FREE 'Necessary Nine' PDF cuts through the noise, giving you the essential things you need for a healthy life.


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CHAPTERS:


00:00 - Intro


00:42 - What Did the Consumer Reports Investigation Do?


01:24 - The Benchmark: How Consumer Reports Measured Lead


02:01 - Understanding California's Proposition 65 (Prop 65)


02:26 - The Main Takeaway: How Many Powders Had High Lead?


02:46 - The Worst Offenders: Naked Nutrition & Huel


04:06 - The Plant-Based Problem: Why Pea Protein Absorbs Lead


04:58 - Does an "Organic" Label Mean It's Safe From Lead?


06:01 - Other Heavy Metals Found: Cadmium & Arsenic


06:23 - Why Is Lead a Problem? (No Known Safe Level)


07:07 - The Real Danger: Chronic Low-Level Exposure


08:06 - Who is Most at Risk from Lead Exposure?


09:23 - The Gray Area: Why Huel & Consumer Reports Both Say They're "Right"


09:39 - How the FDA Regulates Supplements (or Doesn't)


10:39 - Prop 65 is a "Right to Know" Law, Not a Safety Law


11:38 - How the Prop 65 Limit is Set (A 1000x Safety Margin)


13:02 - Prop 65 vs. The FDA's Benchmark (Interim Reference Levels)


15:18 - Protein Powders vs. Whole Foods: Comparing Lead Levels


16:29 - The "Concentration Effect": Why Processing Increases Risk


17:18 - Practical Takeaways: What Can We Do?


17:30 - Big Rock 1: Re-evaluate & Prioritize Moderation


18:45 - Big Rock 2: Be an Informed Consumer (Whey vs. Plant-Based)


20:11 - Big Rock 3: Look for Third-Party Certifications (NSF, USP)


21:26 - My Final Thoughts: Don't Freak Out, Be Informed


SELECTED REFERENCES:


https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/


https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/lead-food-and-foodwares


https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/factsheets/lead_factsheet.pdf


https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/


 


Disclaimer


This podcast is for entertainment, education, and informational purposes only.


The topics discussed should not solely be used to diagnose, treat , or prevent any condition.


The information presented here was created with an evidence based approach, but you please keep in mind that science is always changing and at the time of listening to this there may some new data that makes this information incomplete or inaccurate.


Always seek the advice of your personal physician or qualified health care provider for questions regarding any medical condition

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BLA 159: Does Your Protein Powder Contain Lead?!

BLA 159: Does Your Protein Powder Contain Lead?!

Jordan Rennicke, MD