Lead Exposure from Protein Supplements Explained

In this episode of The Daily Value, we examine Consumer Reports’ October 2025 findings on lead in protein powders. The investigation tested 23 products and found that more than two-thirds exceeded the organization’s internal lead safety threshold. We discuss what those results mean in biological terms, how regulatory limits differ between the FDA, EFSA, and Health Canada, and how supplement exposure compares to everyday dietary intake.

00:00 Introduction
00:08 Consumer Reports Investigation Finds Lead in Protein Powders
01:07 Understanding Lead Contamination in Protein Powders
03:00 Health Implications of Lead Exposure
06:41 Regulatory Standards and Safety Thresholds
09:30 Comparing Lead Intake from Food and Supplements
15:56 Practical Advice and Final Thoughts

https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1570

https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-total-diet-study-tds/fda-total-diet-study-tds-results

https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/protein-powders-and-shakes-contain-high-levels-of-lead-a4206364640/

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/Tsp/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=96&tid=22