Understanding Heavy Metals in Supplements: What the Consumer Should Know

You may have seen recent headlines about heavy metals like lead showing up in plant-based supplement powders, especially greens and protein blends. The concern largely stems from a recent widely shared report, leaving many people wondering if their supplements are safe. 

Here, our expert breaks down what's going on and what you need to know.  

Why Heavy Metals Show Up in the First Place 

Here’s the truth: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements found in soil and water, meaning plants ranging from spinach to potatoes and wheat all absorb trace amounts as they grow.  

When those plants are dried and concentrated into a powder, those naturally occurring elements become more concentrated too. Think of it this way: One serving of a plant-based powder can be the same as around three servings of vegetables (isolated, dehydrated, and powdered). Along with all the vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, you’re also concentrating trace minerals from the earth itself. Notably, these aren’t industrial contaminants being “added” — they’re part of nature’s chemistry, present in everything from spinach to sweet potatoes to your morning oat milk. 

What the Headlines Get Wrong 

Most of the recent concern comes from products that exceed the ultra-stringent thresholds of California’s Proposition 65 — a law that’s about transparency, not toxicity. Under Prop 65, a product must carry a warning label if it contains even one-thousandth of the amount that could potentially cause harm over a lifetime of daily exposure. 

In other words: A warning label doesn’t mean a product is unsafe. The agency’s own website clarifies this by stating, “It doesn’t mean these foods should never be consumed.” For perspective, the FDA — the federal agency that regulates supplement safety — already sets limits that are 10 to 100 times lower than levels shown to cause harm, especially for sensitive groups like pregnant women and children. Products that exceed those FDA limits aren’t legally allowed to be sold. 

How to Navigate the Supplement Shelves 

If you’re seeking peace of mind about your greens or protein powder, the best approach is to choose products that are third-party tested. 

Third-party testing means an independent lab verifies what’s on the label — and ensures nothing unsafe is inside, including excess heavy metals. 

Certifications to look for: 

• USP (United States Pharmacopeia) 

• NSF Certified Informed Choice 

• Labdoor Tested 

At Canyon Ranch, we only recommend and partner with brands that meet these elevated standards for purity and transparency. 

The Bottom Line 

Trace amounts of heavy metals are a natural part of plant-based foods and don’t automatically signal danger. The recent reports use California’s uniquely strict Prop 65 standards, which are designed to inform consumers, not to suggest products are inherently unsafe. By choosing high-quality, third-party tested supplements, you can trust that any trace minerals present are well below levels that could cause harm. 

So, while the headlines may sound alarming, the science and the testing show your plant-based powders can remain a safe and nourishing part of a balanced, wellness-focused lifestyle.