#Cleanlabelproject

A new warning from Harvard-affiliated medical experts and recent research has raised urgent concerns over the safety of commercially available protein powders, drawing attention to potentially hazardous contaminants in products widely consumed by fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious Thais. According to reviews by researchers and reports by advocacy groups such as the Clean Label Project, many popular protein powders contain significant levels of heavy metals, plastic-derived chemicals, and other toxins—a finding that threatens to upend perceptions of these supplements as inherently “healthy” choices for those pursuing muscle gain or dietary supplementation [Harvard Health][LADbible].

A warning from Harvard-affiliated medical experts and recent studies raise urgent questions about the safety of widely sold protein powders. The findings point to potential contaminants in many products favored by fitness enthusiasts, including Thais. Research and advocacy groups note heavy metals, plastic-related chemicals, and other toxins in several powders, challenging the assumption that these supplements are inherently healthy.

Protein powder is a staple for millions, including Thailand’s growing fitness community, where shakes are marketed as convenient, protein-rich options for muscle building and everyday nutrition. The supplement industry is valued at more than US$20 billion globally, with Thai gyms, health stores, and online shops offering a wide array of powders. Yet new warnings emphasize potential risks beyond convenience. A senior clinician at a Harvard-affiliated hospital cautioned that protein powders should be used only in specific circumstances and under supervision. The concerns focus on limited long-term safety data, possible digestive discomfort for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, and, most worryingly, contaminants linked to serious health effects.