Heavy Metals in Protein Powder Canada: What Amaranth Customers Need to Know
Dear Amaranth Customers,
Following recent media coverage of a U.S. consumer-based study reporting traces of heavy metals in certain protein powders, we want to reassure you that your safety is our top priority.
At Amaranth, we are proactively reaching out to every protein brand we carry to confirm that they are properly tested for heavy metals and meet Health Canada’s strict safety standards. Any brand that does not meet these requirements will be removed from our shelves promptly.
It’s also important to note that most of the protein powder brands named in the U.S. study are American-based and not carried by Amaranth.
What Makes a Canadian Brand’s Protein Different from the Rest?
So far, all of our protein brands have confirmed that they require and complete strict testing for heavy metals, including lead. Canadian manufacturers are held to extremely high safety standards through Health Canada’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
This means that:
Facilities cannot accept raw materials without valid Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) confirming they meet safety standards.
Facilities also conduct random testing for heavy metals and microbes to ensure ongoing compliance.
For example, the owner of Schinoussa confirmed that all ingredients entering a GMP-certified Canadian facility must include a CoA and are regularly tested as part of quality control.
The list of brands included in the original U.S. report primarily features American companies. Among Canadian brands, only Vega and Designs for Health appeared on that list — both of which already adhere to Health Canada’s strict guidelines for heavy metal testing.
Many of our trusted suppliers are also releasing memos confirming their ongoing compliance and transparency.
Are Protein Powders in Canada Safe? Understanding Health Canada & CFIA Standards
Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic occur naturally in the environment — including in soil, water, and many everyday foods like grains, root vegetables, and leafy greens.
In Canada, both Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have strong frameworks for regulating and testing all Natural Health Products (NHPs) and food products:
Natural Health Products (NHPs): Manufacturers must test for trace elements like lead and cadmium. Products exceeding limits cannot be sold.
Foods: The CFIA monitors and tests for contaminants to ensure that all food and supplements on the Canadian market meet federal safety standards.
These systems are based on scientific research to ensure that total dietary exposure to heavy metals stays within safe levels.
How to Support Your Body’s Natural Detox from Heavy Metals
If you’re still concerned about heavy metal exposure, you can support your body’s natural detox processes with small, mindful steps:
Eat nutrient-rich, antioxidant foods like colourful vegetables and fruits.
Support your liver with garlic, turmeric, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Support your kidneys with parsley, cilantro, and dandelion.
Stay hydrated with filtered water and herbal teas.
Include fiber and mineral-rich foods like Brazil nuts, seeds, and seafood for zinc and selenium.
Maintain gut health with prebiotics and probiotics.
Move your body — exercise, sauna, and dry brushing help remove toxins through the skin.
Choose non-toxic cleaning and personal care products to reduce daily exposure.
Consider natural supplements like chlorella, spirulina, or activated charcoal, which may help bind and eliminate toxins.
Work with a qualified practitioner for personalized support if needed.
We also carry Provita Heavy Metal Detox, formulated to support cellular health and the body’s natural detoxification pathways.
Amaranth’s Commitment to Transparency, Safety, and Trusted Brands
We know that health and trust go hand-in-hand. At Amaranth, we are deeply committed to transparency, product safety, and your wellbeing.
We will continue to monitor updates from our suppliers and share information with our community as it becomes available. You can feel confident that the protein powders and supplements you purchase at Amaranth meet Health Canada’s highest standards for safety and quality.
Your wellbeing is and always will be our top priority.