55/100

Food

Protein Powder

Moderate burden — Protein Powder adds a moderate, reducible exposure.

Daily protein-powder shakes.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
4
Everyday exposure
4
Persistence
5

Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 55 places protein powder in the Moderate band. None of the three drivers is severe, which keeps the burden manageable. Independent testing has found lead, cadmium and arsenic in some protein powders, especially plant and chocolate varieties. Look for published heavy-metal testing.

Cleaner swap → A third-party heavy-metal-tested powder, or whole-food protein.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is protein powder a toxic exposure?

Protein Powder has a Detox Score of 55 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Independent testing has found lead, cadmium and arsenic in some protein powders, especially plant and chocolate varieties. Look for published heavy-metal testing.

What is a safer alternative to protein powder?

A lower-exposure swap for protein powder is: A third-party heavy-metal-tested powder, or whole-food protein. Independent testing has found lead, cadmium and arsenic in some protein powders, especially plant and chocolate varieties. Look for published heavy-metal testing.

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