For most people, the thought that something they consume might be bad for them is a matter of “out of sight, out of mind”, we often trust that regulations are doing most of the heavy lifting in keeping us safe.

However, there are some things that we put in our bodies that aren’t as strictly regulated as we might hope. One particular area where regulation has fallen short is that of dietary supplements.


On Oct. 14, a Consumer Reports investigation that tested several protein supplements on the market found that two thirds of the 23 supplements they tested contained high levels of heavy metals such as lead.

“For more than two-thirds of the products we analyzed, a single serving contained more lead than CR’s food safety experts say is safe to consume in a day—some by more than 10 times.” reads the report. 

The presence of heavy metals in protein powder is nothing new however, this 2025 study is a repeat of another conducted by Consumer Reports in 2010 when the industry was first gaining prominence.  

Protein powders, which are heavily marketed as a way to assist in a perceived lack of protein intake, are especially popular among student athletes hoping to grow muscle. However with these studies some are wary about the potential dangers.

Kevin Anderson, who works as a trainer for Delta athletics, notes that compared to higher level play, where student diets are more regulated, for many Delta athletes it is an issue of affordability.

“Some of the kids are on fixed income, so they’re going to buy off brands,” said Anderson. “So the concern there is ‘what are they actually putting in their bodies?’”

While Anderson noted product price as being an indicator of quality it is worth noting that in the article by consumer reports there was no correlation made between cost and contamination levels. 

“For protein powders, if you’re going through a reputable company, you hope that it’s being regulated and it’s supposed to be regulated,” said Anderson,

Protein powders are considered a dietary supplement by the FDA. 

According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, which established the classification, a dietary supplement is a product intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, or an amino acid.

Because they are in a category of their own, dietary supplements are regulated differently and oftentimes that means that they are regulated less. The agency does not review or approve these products, instead taking a more reactive approach by monitoring adverse events.

This can lead to things slipping through the cracks.

In case things like this do fall through the cracks, it’s important for consumers to keep themselves informed and be proactive about educating themselves.

For further information about affected brands: https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/