Protein shakes are a staple in the sport’s athletic world. It is one of the best and easiest ways to get your protein replacement quickly. You would simply assume all protein powders are created equally and are healthy. Unfortunately, you need to research what you are ingesting. Many powders contain metals, artificial flavors, pesticides, etc. So, let’s look at metals that create some of the most severe health issues.

According to the Clean Label Project, out of 134 protein powder products tested, 70% of protein powders had lead, 74% cadmium, and 55% BPA, the same BPA used in plastics. In addition, arsenic was also seen and traced in these protein powders.

Where are the toxins coming from?

According to Harvard Health, the metal contaminants are already in the soil.

Proteins derived from plants are often derived from soy and hemp. On the other hand, whey proteins originate from milk or eggs. Since plant-based proteins are grown in soil, these plants absorb the heavy metals from the ground.

Even though a label may read and purport to be certified organic, heavy metals have been detected in their products. Heavy metal contamination is 2-3 times higher in organic protein powders compared to non-organic powders.

Lead

Lead is a very toxic metal. Therefore, ingestion can lead to various adverse health effects. The problem with lead is it seeps into the ground and grows into the food that will be turned into powder. Poisoning by lead can cause headaches, abdominal pain, anemia, mental confusion, irritability, seizures, and nerve damage. Long-term exposure can also cause problems with reproductive health and cognitive development.

Cadmium

Cadmium is another toxic metal that can be found in protein powder. Cadmium is naturally in the ground at very low levels. However, too much accumulation in your body can lead to renal and hepatic damage, anemia, and cancer.

Mercury

Mercury is one of the more common metals found in the soil. The manufacturing industry heavily uses mercury. Toxins from the air settle and affect nearby lands, farms, and water supply. When cows eat the grass and drink the water supply, they ingest mercury. When mercury enters the cow’s body, it affects the milk glands. Mercury binds and contaminates two proteins in cow’s milk Beta-Lactoglobulin and casein, used in protein powders.

Even in small amounts, mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, as well as various other health problems. For example, mercury ingestion can lead to nerve damage, memory impairment, poor coordination and motor control, tremors, and even brain damage.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring heavy metal. It is commonly found in food, rock, soil, and water. Arsenic poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmia in high quantities.

BPA

BPA is a chemical used to strengthen plastic bottles and packaging. BPA affects protein by leaching into the powder. This was a big issue with plastics poisoning water. Now plastic bottles are BPA-free. But many protein powder plastic containers contain BPA. The Clean Label Project found 25 times more BPA than the regulatory limit in just one serving. High amounts of BPA can cause cancer, tumors, congenital disabilities, and cerebral issues.

Poisonous metals and substances such as these are commonly found in protein powders. Ingested even in the smallest amounts can cause serious health problems. Therefore, it is critical to be aware of the potential presence of these metals in protein powder and to take appropriate precautions.

The good news is your body can expel all these poisonous minerals. The bad news is the accumulation when you continue to use protein powder regularly, and your body cannot get rid of them fast enough. The constant presence weakens your immune system and creates free radicals. Some metals take days, and others take weeks to exit.

Therefore, it is best to find powders that do not contain these metals. When you buy a protein powder, ensure it is third-party tested or check websites like The Clean Label Project.