Are Their Heavy Metals in Your Protein Powder? What you Need to Know
- Katie Bateman
- Apr 19
- 6 min read
Updated: May 1
For women who want to fuel their bodies safely and smartly.
Why Protein Powder Is a Popular Pick — Especially for Women 35+
Whether you're juggling work, family, fitness, or all three, protein powder has likely made its way into your routine. For women over 35, maintaining muscle mass, supporting metabolism, and managing energy levels are key wellness goals — and high-quality protein supplements offer a convenient solution.
But here’s the problem: not all protein powders are created equal. Behind those clean-looking labels may be something less talked about — heavy metals in protein powder.
What Are Heavy Metals, and Why Should You Care?
Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury occur naturally in the environment but can be harmful in even small amounts when consumed regularly. They accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to health concerns like:
Hormonal disruption
Cognitive decline
Kidney and liver stress
Reproductive issues
If you've been asking, "Are there heavy metals in protein powders?" — the answer is yes, in some cases. This is especially important for women over 35, whose bodies are already navigating hormonal shifts, slower detoxification, and greater nutritional demands.
Scientific Evidence: What the Research Says
Let’s break down what we know from science. Several studies have looked into the heavy metal content in protein powder, and the findings are concerning:
A 2024 Indian study tested dozens of popular protein supplements and found that many contained arsenic and lead, often from herbal additives or poor manufacturing standards (Philips et al., 2024).
A U.S. review revealed some protein drinks had lead, cadmium, and arsenic levels close to or exceeding daily safety limits, especially with frequent use (Holman et al., 2010).
A study from Saudi Arabia detected mercury and lead in collagen supplements, especially hydrolyzed collagen powders — confirming that heavy metals in collagen peptides and heavy metals in collagen powder are real issues to watch for (Elgharabway et al., 2018).
So if you're concerned about heavy metals in plant protein powder, vegan protein powder, or collagen peptides — you're not being paranoid. These risks are documented.
The Truth About Heavy Metals in Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements have become a go-to for women seeking better skin, joints, and overall aging support — but they’re not immune to contamination. Research confirms that heavy metals in collagen powder and heavy metals in collagen peptides are a growing concern:
A 2018 study found that hydrolyzed collagen supplements, especially those from poorly regulated markets, contained notable levels of lead and mercury (Elgharabway et al., 2018).
Another 2019 study tested collagen derived from fish scales and successfully removed lead, cadmium, chromium, and manganese using a filtration method — suggesting these metals are commonly present in raw collagen sources (Peng et al., 2019).
A 2025 study on fish-derived collagen found that arsenic and lead were detected in raw skins and collagen-containing hydrolysates, although most were under safe limits. Mercury and cadmium were not detected in those samples, but this doesn’t eliminate risk from other sources (Wang et al., 2025).
The takeaway? Even collagen — especially when marine-based — should be carefully vetted. The lack of global standardisation in collagen manufacturing means the heavy metals in collagen supplements can vary significantly by brand and region.
If you're using collagen as part of your daily routine, it's wise to choose a product from a brand that publicly shares third-party test results and prioritises contaminant screening.
What About Australia and Canada?
No direct peer-reviewed studies have tested Australian-market protein powders. However, related studies raise concerns:
Some Australian-grown vegetables and rice sold in local markets have been found with heavy metal levels exceeding safety standards (Rahman et al., 2014).
Australia allows importation of supplements without testing, leaving consumers exposed to unverified international products (Denholm, 2010).
In Canada, the regulatory system exists, but enforcement can be inconsistent — especially for imported or online-sold powders.
Bottom line? Because of the lack of consistent testing and enforcement in both Australia and Canada, there is a real possibility that supplements sold in these countries could contain unsafe levels of heavy metals too. If the product isn’t tested and transparent, the risk is hard to ignore.
So the question, "Is there heavy metal in protein powder available in Canada or Australia?" — can’t always be answered with certainty.
It's Not Just Powders — High Protein Foods Can Contain Heavy Metals Too
We often focus on powders, but whole foods can also be contaminated:
Fish (especially tuna, swordfish, and mackerel): high in mercury
Organ meats (like liver): may accumulate lead or cadmium
Shellfish: possible arsenic exposure depending on origin
Rice protein: a popular base in vegan powders — can have higher arsenic levels if grown in contaminated areas
These are naturally high-protein foods — and yet, they still raise questions about heavy metals in high-protein foods and what that means for your health.
How to Choose a Clean, Safe Protein Powder
To protect yourself, look for brands that:
Conduct third-party testing for heavy metals and contaminants
Publish transparent testing results or certifications
Avoid vague or hidden "proprietary blends"
Use clean ingredients and sourcing
Whether you're choosing whey, collagen, or plant-based blends, knowing how to spot quality is key to avoiding heavy metals in vegan protein powder or heavy metals in collagen.
Why I Recommend Shaklee Life Shake and Collagen 9
When it comes to finding a safe, effective, and trustworthy supplement, Shaklee Life Shake and Shaklee Collagen-9 both stand out — and for good reason.
Let’s start with Life Shake:
Available in plant- or whey-based options
Includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals
Low glycemic, gluten-free, and delicious
And here’s the thing — the real differentiator? Rigorous testing.
Shaklee tests for over 350 contaminants in every batch, including:
Heavy metals (like lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium)
Pesticides, herbicides, and solvents
Adherence to U.S. Pharmacopeia standards
They even reject any ingredient that doesn't meet their strict purity criteria — no compromises.
Now, let’s talk Collagen-9. This isn’t just any collagen supplement. Shaklee’s Collagen-9 — features bovine-sourced collagen, not marine, and it’s designed with nine essential amino acids to make it a complete protein. That’s a big deal for anyone wanting a collagen supplement that truly supports daily protein needs.
And when it comes to safety? The same high standards apply:
Bovine collagen sourced for quality and purity
Tested for heavy metals and contaminants in every batch
No artificial sweeteners, added sugars, or synthetic ingredients
So, if you're wondering, "Does Shaklee have heavy metals in its protein or collagen supplements?" — you can feel confident knowing they lead with integrity and safety.
Final Thoughts
Let’s recap. If you’ve ever Googled:
"Heavy metal in protein powder"
"Are there heavy metals in protein powders?"
"Heavy metals in collagen peptides"
"Heavy metals in plant protein powder"
...you’re not alone. And the concern is legit. Science backs it up.
But now, you’re informed — and that’s powerful. Choose smart. Ask questions. And prioritise quality.
Your body deserves better.
Want help picking the right protein for your goals — without the risk? Drop a message below or contact me directly. I’m happy to share what’s worked for me and my clients.
Want to join a group of women thriving together with daily lifestyle, holistic wellness and self-care?
Join the Wellness Glow-Up Facebook community. Your daily Self-care pit stop to Elevate your Holistic Wellness journey. Find inner peace and everything you need to Glow from the Inside Out. This is Your personal sanctuary for nourishing Body, Mind, and Soul.
Sources: Philips et al., 2024Holman et al., 2010Elgharabway et al., 2018Rahman et al., 2014Denholm, 2010
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
Comments