A recent study by consumer reports shows that your protein powder is toxic and contains heavy metals
Many people drink protein shakes to build muscles, lose weight, fight aging and have energy. However, a 2010 research by consumerreports.org shows that 15 different protein powders had at least one of the heavy metals including lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic.
The marketing ads for protein drinks call the protein supplements “ideal” for pregnant mothers and growing children and some of the ads even promise that if you drink their protein powder you never get sick and feel healthier or younger.
As we all know, the so called “celebrities” also play a very powerful role in deceptive advertising and selling consumers the false ideas and values. According to consumerreports.org, the famous “fitness celebrity” Jennifer Nicole Lee says, "Being a busy mom with 12-hour workdays, I rely upon my Lean Dessert Protein to get adequate amounts of protein without wasting time on creating complex meals ...."
But the truth is that heavy metals are toxic to human’s health, especially to the health of pregnant women, nursing mother and their growing children. For example, cadmium can cause liver and kidney damage. "This (cadmium) is a highly toxic metal, and while there are some cases where decisions have to be weighed against relative risks, accepting that you have to be exposed to any cadmium at all in your protein drink after your workout is definitely not one of them." says Michael Harbut, M.D., the director of the Environmental Cancer Initiative in Michigan.
According to consumerreports.org, since California Proposition 65 mandates companies to notify consumers when a product contains toxic substances, the level of lead in protein powders in California should require a warning label. However, Federal regulations do not require dietary supplements and protein shakes be tasted for their safety before they are sold.
Peter Cohen, an internist at Cambridge Health Alliance says that "Most consumers and even many doctors don't realize that in this country we're left to simply trust the manufacturer to decide what level of quality and safety they'll provide. Even in California, some manufacturers don't comply with the requirements of Proposition 65 to put warnings on supplements, and enforcement seems to be lax. Sometimes warnings appear only after lawsuits are filed”.
“Official truths are often powerful illusions”
The official truth is usually sold through deceptive advertising via TV, corporate media or Hollywood. Advertising sells more than just products and it’s a driving tool for selling and promoting misconception of love, sexuality, success and beauty. 
Teenagers are more venerable to such deceptive marketing messages and in fact, a 2005 study published in journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that protein powders and shakes filled with heavy metals and toxins were commonly used by the age range of 12 to 18.
There are also other harmful toxins in protein powders such as banned steroid and MSG. As a matter of fact, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is created during process of high protein foods.
As mentioned, many of these toxin and heavy metals do not need to be labeled and in 2005, National Football League running back Michael Cloud filed a lawsuit against MuscleTech when he was tested positive for a banned steroid found as an ingredient in Nitro-Tech products without proper labeling.
Even in Canada, the supplements and protein powders must go through a pre-market testing where as in US, supplements or protein powders are not required to go through pre-market review. According to Consumer Report, “FDA’s oversight under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act is inadequate to ensure that protein drinks and other dietary supplements are consistently low in heavy metals and other contaminants”.
Source:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/protein-drinks/index.htm
http://www.livescience.com/8086-protein-supplement-myth-revealed-body-work.html
