Your Protein Powder Has Heavy Metals and Microplastics
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
That protein shake you drink after the gym? It may contain heavy metals and microplastics at levels that pose real health risks.
What's in Your Protein Powder
A 2026 study in Environ Res tested sports protein supplements for heavy metal and microplastic contamination. They found both. The researchers ran health risk modeling and scenario analysis to estimate what regular consumption means for athletes and gym-goers.
If you drink a protein shake every day, you're getting a daily dose of whatever contaminants are in it. Heavy metals accumulate. Microplastics accumulate. Over months and years, the exposure adds up.
What You Can Do
Choose protein supplements that are third-party tested for contaminants. Look for NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport labels. Vary your protein sources: whole foods like eggs, fish, and legumes don't come with microplastic contamination. Browse non-toxic home essentials for cleaner supplement options.
Source: Chen et al. (2026). Environ Res.