Determination of Metals in Whey and Vegan Protein Supplements using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Driven by a demand for health and wellness products worldwide, the dietary supplement industry continues to expand with an economic impact \u3e$100 billion in the USA alone. However, the industry is plagued by a lack of regulation and incidents of contamination, including with toxic heavy metals that can put consumers at potential risk. In this study, eight trace elements (Cd, Pb, Fe, Co, Mn, V, Cu, and Cr), including heavy metals (Cd and Pb), were determined in whey and vegan protein powder by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave-assisted digestion using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Samples were run in triplicate along with blanks and a reference material. Mean concentrations (µg/g ± 1SD) in the vegan protein powder were Fe (133±1) \u3e Mn (25.5±10.3) \u3e Cu (1.4±5.4) \u3e Cr (0.226±0.0414) \u3e V (0.17±0.01) \u3e Co (0.090±0.001) \u3e Pb (0.038±0.013) \u3e Cd (0.033±0.003). This was higher than the whey protein powder: Fe (11.5±4.3) \u3e Cu (1.91±2.2) \u3e Mn (0.20±0.01) \u3e Cr (0.0491±0.0505) \u3e V (0.018 ± 0.005) \u3e Pb (0.017±0.005) \u3e Co (0.012±0.001) \u3e Cd (0.010±0.001). These levels correspond to amounts per serving that were below the US FDA recommended daily allowance for both the whey and vegan protein powders. However, the vegan protein powder had concentrations of Mn and Fe that could exceed the FDA criteria and be a risk to the consumer if they ingest more than the recommended daily serving (which is common for body builders) or attain these metals from other dietary sources. We intended analyze additional samples to confirm this finding and to determine how widespread the issue is, but unfortunately, the ICP-MS became inoperable and is in need of repair. Instead, on suggestion from the Honor’s College, I conducted a deep literature review on the subject of heavy metal contamination in the supplement industry and current guidelines. Herein I also provide my overview and recommendations on this subject