Have you seen the headlines about disturbing levels of heavy metals in protein powders? If you're panicking about whether your shake is safe, take a breath. In this episode, we tackle the fear head-on and uncover what’s fact, what’s hype, and how to make informed decisions about your supplements.

What We Covered:

Understanding supplement regulation: Learn how the FDA and third-party testing actually work, and why regulation might be better than you think.
Heavy metals in context: Why chocolate and plant-based protein powders show higher levels of contaminants, and how they compare to everyday foods.
Breaking down protein types: The differences between whey and plant-based proteins—and what terms like isolate, concentrate, and hydrolysate mean.
Practical tips for clinicians and consumers: How to vet your protein powder, interpret third-party labels, and guide patients toward safe, high-quality options.

Resources Mentioned:

FDA’s “Closer to Zero” Program and Testing Results for Heavy Metals
Free infographic: “Your Protein Powder Breakdown” – Download here
Past episode on supplement regulation: "Is That Supplement Worth It? A Crash Course in Regulation and Safety"
Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal (not an affiliate)
FDA Testing Results for Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury

Any Questions? Send Me a Message

Support the show

Connect with Colleen:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Sign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.

Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

93 | Contaminated Protein Supplements!? An Expert Weighs In on the Truth

Exam Room Nutrition: Practical Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

93 | Contaminated Protein Supplements!? An Expert Weighs In on the Truth