Many consumers – particularly those with active lifestyles and the elderly – combine professionally curated diet plans with protein powders to fulfill their daily protein needs. Protein is an extremely important nutrient for athletes because of its involvement in building and repairing muscles, as well as its role as an alternative source of energy when carbohydrates and fats are lacking. [1]
For the elderly, protein intake is a huge concern due to the body naturally losing muscle mass as it ages. Research shows that after middle age, adults find it more difficult to gain or maintain muscle. [2] A study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging points to diet changes, decreased chewing capacity, reduced gastric acid secretion and delayed gastric emptying as possible reasons why their bodies are less efficient at digesting and absorbing protein. [3]
For these individuals, especially those whose diets don’t give them enough protein, protein powders are an indispensable dietary aid. These powders offer a convenient and concentrated way of boosting protein intake, allowing athletes and older adults to meet protein requirements of 1.2 grams (g) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day or higher. [4][5]
But here’s the caveat: Not all protein powders are safe and clean. As independent lab analyses have shown, many commercial powders contain dangerous levels of toxic contaminants, most notably heavy metals. And thanks to dishonest labeling practices by manufacturers (who only care about profit) and lax federal regulations, many consumers are not aware that the protein powders they trust are slowly introducing toxins into their bodies, putting them at risk of serious health issues.
4 Toxic Metals Commonly Found in Protein Powders
A recent analysis by the Clean Label Project (CLP), a non-profit based in Broomfield, Colorado, highlights the dangers lurking in commercial protein powders and the importance of third-party lab testing. After testing 160 protein powders from 70 of the top-selling brands on the market, CLP found that “a staggering 47% exceeded California Proposition 65 safety thresholds for toxic metals.” [6] CLP noted that “… despite the growing health-conscious market, many products may contain elevated levels of contaminants not reflected on traditional nutrition labels.”
According to the CLP report, four heavy metals are commonly found (often at unsafe levels) in commercial protein powders: arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. Here are the health risks studies associate with each:
- Arsenic – In its inorganic form, arsenic is highly toxic and often contaminates drinking water as well as groundwater used for irrigation. This is how this toxic metal gets into food crops. [7]
Health risks: [8]
- A potent endocrine disruptor, even at low levels
- A human carcinogen linked to skin, lung, bladder, kidney and liver cancers
- A key driver of preterm birth risk
- Disrupts insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas, increasing diabetes risk
- Cadmium – Naturally found in air, soil and water, especially in agricultural areas, cadmium is primarily absorbed through the respiratory and digestive systems. It is known to accumulate in muscles and bones, as well as in the blood. [9]
Health risks: [10][11]
- Acute exposure (when inhaled) can damage the lungs
- Chronic exposure is linked to kidney, bone and lung disease
- Linked to breast, lung, prostate, nasopharyngeal, pancreatic and kidney cancer
- Blood cadmium has been linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Lead – A toxic metal present in the Earth’s crust, lead contamination is now a widespread environmental and health issue, thanks to industrial processes such as mining, smelting, and manufacturing that impact livestock and agricultural crops. Inside the human body, lead accumulates in the brain, liver, kidneys and bones. [12]
Health risks: [13][14]
- In children: lowered IQ, brain and nervous system damage, learning and behavioral difficulties, impaired growth, hearing problems and headaches
- In adults: male/female reproductive problems, high blood pressure, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain
- Long-term lead exposure has been linked to anemia in older and middle-aged adults
- Exposure to high levels linked to severe brain and kidney damage in children and adults
- Mercury – Another toxic metal found in air, soil and water, mercury is one of the World Health Organization’s top ten chemicals of major public health concern. [15] Humans are mainly exposed to methylmercury, the primary contaminant in fish and shellfish. Mercury in food products like protein powder is absorbed by plants from soil and water.
Health risks: [16][17]
- A potent neurotoxin, methylmercury has been linked to peripheral vision loss; impaired movement coordination, speech and hearing; and muscle weakness
- Methylmercury adversely affects the brain and nervous system of unborn infants
- May exert toxic effects on the digestive and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys and skin
Where to Get Clean, Lab-Verified Organic Protein Powders
The CLP report didn’t just highlight the presence of toxic metals in popular protein powders but also raised concerns about the levels of synthetic industrial chemicals, such as bisphenols (BPA and BPS), that they contain. Their findings serve as a warning to consumers to be more discerning when choosing which brands to trust.
For those looking to boost their protein intake with the help of clean whey- or plant-based protein powders, the Health Ranger Store’s lab-verified Organic Protein Powders are made just for you. Created with your health and safety in mind, these products are lab verified for cleanliness and purity, having undergone strict lab testing not just for heavy metals but also for glyphosate – a cancer-causing pesticide – and microbiological contaminants.
For a complete protein sourced from premium grass-fed cows, we proudly offer Health Ranger Select Organic Whey Protein Powder 15 oz (425g). This lab-verified whey protein concentrate delivers all 9 essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own, along with some non-essential ones that are also needed for protein synthesis. Whey protein powder also contains essential minerals, such as sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium, according to a study published in the journal Foods. [18]
Each 30-gram (g) serving of Health Ranger Select Organic Whey Protein Powder 15 oz (425g) delivers 24 grams of pure, high-quality protein (48% of the Daily Value). It contains no gluten or GMOs and is certified Kosher and organic. It is also non-China and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
For individuals on a strict plant-based diet, the Health Ranger Store offers 3 incredible options:
- Health Ranger Select Organic Pea Protein Powder 24 oz (680g)
- Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder 12 oz (340 g)
- Groovy Bee® Organic Gluten-Free Vegan Plant-Based Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder 12 oz (340g)
Organic pea protein powder is one of the best natural sources of plant-based protein. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, including high amounts of the 3 branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) that are crucial for muscle growth and development. [19] Organic pea protein powder also contains more iron and three times more arginine than whey protein.
With its naturally mild flavor and smooth, creamy texture, Health Ranger Select Organic Pea Protein Powder 24 oz (680g) is perfect for post-workout smoothies, baked goods, pancake mixes and other recipes. Our premium Organic Pea Protein Powder is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and certified Kosher and organic. It also contains no carriers or excipients and is thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
Organic hemp seeds are another highly regarded source of plant protein that’s popular among vegans and vegetarians. Hemp seeds provide not only amino acids but also high amounts of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). When their oil content is removed and hemp seeds are finely ground, you can get pure hemp protein powder.
Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Protein Powder 12 oz (340 g) is an ultra-clean, high-protein superfood made from non-GMO hemp seeds. This finely milled powder can supply your body with 17 amino acids, nine of which are essential amino acids that you can only get from dietary sources. Just 6 tablespoons of this ultra-pure powder can provide roughly 24 g of protein (48% of the recommended Daily Value) along with dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, niacin and other nutrients.
Our premium Organic Hemp Protein Powder is meticulously sourced and contains no fillers, sweeteners, flow agents or excipients of any kind. It is also vegan, non-China, gluten-free, certified Kosher and organic, and extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
For another complete plant protein source that comes with a variety of vitamins and minerals, try Groovy Bee® Organic Gluten-Free Vegan Plant-Based Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder 12 oz (340g). Made from high-quality organic pumpkin seeds, this premium powder delivers approximately 11.1 g of pure protein (22% of the Daily Value) with every 3-tablespoon serving. It also contains an abundance of antioxidants and essential nutrients, such as dietary fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, omega fatty acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, C, E and K.
Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder makes a tasty addition to various recipes, including granola mixes, rice puddings, soups, sauces, baked goods and meat and vegetable dishes. You can also add it to smoothies, shakes, juices and other beverages. Rest assured that it contains no gluten or GMOs and is vegan, non-China, certified Kosher and organic, and meticulously lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://www.texaschildrens.org
[2] https://www.health.harvard.edu
[3] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[6] https://cleanlabelproject.org
[10] https://www.osha.gov
[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[12] https://www.who.int
[13] https://www.epa.gov
[14] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[15] https://www.who.int
[16] https://www.who.int
[17] https://www.epa.gov
[18] https://www.mdpi.com
[19] https://examine.com
