Some protein powders and shakes tested by Consumer Reports contained levels of lead, a heavy metal, that experts say could raise the risk of long-term health problems.

Scientists hired by Consumer Reports, an independent non-profit based out of the U.S., tested 23 popular protein products, and found lead levels ranging from zero to 7.7 micrograms per serving — above the stringent limits set by the state of California, but below U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard for females of childbearing age.

There is no safe level of lead for human consumption, though it finds its way into many foods because lead is present in the environment.

  • CharlesDarwin@lemmy.worldEnglish
    1·
    2 days ago

    As I said elsewhere on the thread, YMMV. My comments are not about you specifically, since there is no way to know what a specific person’s needs are w/o knowing more. Of course it is going to vary person to person based on weight, age, genetics and lifestyle.

    My comments are more about the aggregate population and this culture that everyone is in ever-present danger of being deficient in protein. They aren’t. Most people are probably taking in too much protein, in fact. But the marketing has now reached this fever pitch where people actually feel they are going to be healthy by eating ice cream and chips fortified with protein.

    I found it hilarious enough in the 90s when “protein bars” - many of which are little different from candy bars if you take a closer look - started to get marketed to a certain class of people that considered themselves in need of these things if they even sometimes set foot in an REI. I’ve been on very short, low-impact hikes with people where they felt they had to stop and munch on these things. Or when they got back to the car as a “post workout”, LOL. I’m almost enough of a smartass that I’ve thought about throwing a Snickers in my bag and busting that out and giving the same reasons as they do and watching the reactions. 🤣 So far I have refrained.