All fitness enthusiasts swear by one thing these days: Protein powders.

Adding protein powder to a glass of milk or a smoothie may seem like a nice way to boost your health. And rightly so! Protein is essential for maintaining muscle and bone strength and adults don’t consume enough of it.

For the unversed, protein powders are powdered forms of protein that comes from plants, eggs or milk. The powders also include ingredients such as added sugars, artificial flavoring, thickeners, vitamins and minerals.

However, this one product that people swear by could also be leading to certain health risks. A study by Harvard revealed the various risks that need to be considered when using a protein powder.

Health Risks Of A Protein Powder

A protein powder is a dietary supplement. However, the FDA makes it the manufacturers’ choice to evaluate the safety and labeling of products. Meaning there is no way to know if a protein powder contains what manufacturers claim.

Long-term Effects Are Not Known

“There are limited data on the possible side effects of high protein intake from supplements,” says registered dietitian Kathy McManus, director of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

May Lead To Digestive Issues

It is important to note that people with dairy allergies, especially those who have trouble digesting lactose can experience gastrointestinal discomfort. For them, it is recommended to use plant-based protein.

Can Be High In Added Sugars And Calories

Some protein powders have little added sugar, and others have quite a lot. The study states that some protein powders turn a glass of milk into a drink with more than 1,200 calories. This can lead to weight gain and an unexpected spike in blood sugar.

Another Risk

A nonprofit group called the Clean Label Project released a report about toxins found in protein powders. Researchers screened 134 products for 130 types of toxins and found that many protein powders contained heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Some also found bisphenol-A, which is used to make plastic, pesticides, or other contaminants which have links to cancer and other health conditions.

However, it is important to note that not all protein powders that were tested contained elevated levels of toxins.