Here's what the expert says.
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| | | Protein, protein, protein. Who among us isn't trying to eat more of this star nutrient? The debate over how much protein a person really needs is far from settled. But in the meantime, many of you (and by you, I mean me) may be planning your day around getting enough of it. | | One easy way to do this is to add a protein shake to your daily meal rotation. (Yes, there is a limit to how many you should consume in one day.) But can you trust the ingredients in these powders? A registered dietitian at Healthline, Lindsay Mahar, answers this question below. | | | | | | | Drink up,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
April 8, 2025 • 3 min read | | | |  | | | | Q: | Should I be worried about protein powders containing harmful ingredients? | | | A: | The answer isn't so clear-cut. Supplement powders, including protein powders, are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means the supplement manufacturer is in charge of ensuring safety and accurate labeling. That's why it's important to check the label of protein powders to make sure they've been tested for quality, accuracy, and purity by a third party.
Concerns have been raised recently that many protein powders contain detectable levels of heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, as well as bisphenol-A (BPA), which is found in common plastic items. This is likely the result of the manufacturing process and the soil conditions of the plants used to make the supplements.
Should you be worried? Probably not. A 2020 analysis suggests that protein powder supplements do not actually increase the risk of negative health effects due to heavy metal exposure.
Still, it's always a good idea to read the label before you buy a protein powder. Here are a few things to look out for: - Added sugar: Many protein powders are loaded with added sugar. The American Heart Association suggests a maximum of 37.5 grams (9 teaspoons) per day for men and 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women.
- Allergens: Many supplements contain common allergens such as soy, wheat, milk products, and gluten.
- Artificial sweeteners: While most artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some people are sensitive to them.
Pro tip: Opt for protein powders that have as few ingredients as possible.
As with regular medications, not everyone needs to or should take a supplement, so it's always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional first. Most people can consume enough nutrients, including protein, by eating a balanced and varied diet that includes many fresh fruits and vegetables and limits ultra-processed foods. | | | | | Lindsay Mahar, Registered Dietitian | | | Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | | | | Protein picks | | | | |  | | 10 Best Protein Powders of 2025, According to Dietitians and Testers | | Before choosing the best protein powders, our testers and dietitians evaluated more than 100 animal-based and whey protein powders, considering factors like ingredients, taste, and value. Here are our top picks. | | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | What we're digesting | | 🍎 Can a low FODMAP diet help with IBS-C? Maybe. But it's just one part of an overall management plan. | | 🥛 Best drinks if you have acid reflux. Plus, which ones to avoid. | | 🤕 What is acute pain? Though it may not be serious, it could point to an underlying problem in some cases. | | 📝 Prediabetes vs. diabetes. Your guide to diagnosis and management. | | | | | How did you feel about this newsletter? | | | | | Email nutritionedition@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
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