Toxicology

Protein powders and ready-to-drink protein shakes can contain measurable levels of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which may pose health risks with repeated exposure.

No amount of lead exposure is considered safe, and repeated or continuous lead exposure—particularly at high doses—is especially harmful for children, pregnant people, and older adults.

There is no known safe level of lead exposure, and repeated exposure to high doses of lead is associated with increased risk of adverse health effects such as reproductive problems, kidney damage, and cognitive impairment.