(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: C. Michael White , University of Connecticut

Powder and ready-to-drink protein sales have exploded, reaching over US$32 billion globally from 2024 to 2025. Increasingly, consumers are using these protein sources daily .

A new study by Consumer Reports, published on Oct. 14, 2025, claims that some such protein products contain dangerously high levels of lead , as well as other heavy metals such as cadmium and arsenic. At high levels, these substances have serious, well-documented health risks .

I am a clinical pharmacologist who has evaluated the heavy metal content of baby food , calcium supplements and kratom products . Lead and other heavy meta

See Full Page