TOXIC HEAVY METALS IN PROTEIN POWDERS ASSESSING LEAD AND CADMIUM CONTAMINATION

Nayan Kolhe^1*, Dipali Gosavi², Purva Mane ³, Shraddha Shitole⁴, Ganga Patil ⁵, Suyash Marathe⁶

Corresponding Author: Nayan Kolhe*, Department of Microbiology, Yashavantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara (Autonomous), Maharashtra, India, Email: nayankolhe519@gmail.com.

Citation: Nayan Kolhe (2025). Toxic heavy metals in protein powders assessing lead and cadmium contamination. Eco Science Journal.2025 2(5).

Copyrights © 2025, Nayan Kolhe. This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-4.0-International-License-(CCBY-NC).

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of protein powders, especially lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), has become a significant issue from a public health perspective. Protein supplements are popular supplements for muscle gain, weight control, and general health purposes. These products have exposed people to toxic metals that can cause alarming issues of neurotoxicity, damage to the kidneys, carcinogenic effects, etc. With an emphasis on investigating the sources, prevalence, and health effects of lead and cadmium contamination in various protein powder formulas from plant-based foods rather than animal-based ones, this research explores further into which factors lead to contamination of these food products with these specific heavy metals. Limits and regulations are discussed with respect to mitigation strategies for ensuring industry compliance and consumer safety. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of regulatory control of dietary supplement products, manufacturing practices, and consumer education to reduce the amount of heavy metal exposure through the dietary supplement route.