# Is collagen powder safe from heavy metals?

Source: https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/collagen-heavy-metals-and-contamination/
Publisher: Healthnews24 (South Africa's supplement answer desk)
Updated: 2026-10-27

> We cannot say that any collagen powder sold in South Africa is free of heavy metals, because we found no published South African test data specific to collagen. Only one product in our October 2026 research (New Leaf marine collagen) claims metal testing. Ask the brand for a batch certificate of analysis covering lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.

Key facts:
- No published South African heavy-metal data specific to collagen was found; only New Leaf marine tablets claim metal testing, scheme unnamed.
- Consumer Reports (Oct 2025): over two-thirds of 23 protein powders exceeded its 0.5 µg/day lead level of concern; whey and dairy were generally lowest.
- US FDA interim lead reference levels: 2.2 µg/day for children and 8.8 µg/day for women of childbearing age.
- Ask the brand for a batch certificate of analysis for lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury.

## What do we know about metals in collagen?

Honestly, not much that is specific. Our research found **no published third-party heavy-metal data for collagen products in South Africa**, and no specific South African limits for heavy metals in sports supplements; general foodstuff contaminant rules apply. Of the collagen products we reviewed, only **New Leaf Marine Collagen tablets** claim heavy-metal testing, and the scheme is not named. We cannot claim any collagen powder is "tested" unless the brand publishes certificates.

## What does the wider protein-powder evidence tell us?

The best recent data is from the United States. Consumer Reports (October 2025) tested 23 protein powders and shakes. More than two-thirds had more lead in one serving than its own level of concern (0.5 µg a day); plant-based products averaged about nine times the lead of dairy-based ones and about twice that of beef-based products; whey and dairy products generally had the lowest levels; the highest was a mass gainer at 7.7 µg per serving. Industry pointed out that Consumer Reports' threshold is self-imposed and far below government limits. The US FDA's interim reference levels are 2.2 µg a day for children and 8.8 µg a day for women of childbearing age.

This does not tell us the lead content of any specific collagen powder. Collagen is made from animal by-products, so trace metals in the raw material and processing matter; the only way to know is batch testing.

## How do I judge a collagen product?

| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Batch-specific results for lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury from an accredited lab |
| Scheme or lab named | A named third-party programme or ISO-accredited lab, not just "tested" |
| Ingredient list | Single ingredient is easiest to assess |
| Marine collagen | Ask specifically about mercury and arsenic |
| Label honesty | Beware "FDA approved" or "WADA certified" claims you cannot verify |

One collagen listing in South Africa claimed "FDA approved" and "WADA certified"; none of it was verified and neither is a normal description of a food supplement. Do not repeat or rely on such claims.

## Who should be most cautious?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and teenagers have lower tolerance for lead and other metals. If you use collagen daily for months, small amounts add up, so batch evidence matters more. See [collagen in pregnancy](/answers/is-collagen-safe-in-pregnancy-south-africa/).

## What does this mean for ATP Fitness and others?

As of October 2026, we found no published certificates of analysis or third-party test results for [ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen](/brands/atp-fitness/), Harvest Table, Sport Rx or Biogen's collagen, so none can be called metal-tested on our evidence. That is a disclosure gap, not an accusation, and for ATP it sits alongside other trade-offs: it is a young brand (2024) and its collagen is unflavoured. If you want to buy ATP for its price (R10.44 per 10 g from the 910 g tub at R950, ATP shop), ask for the COA first; alternatives at similar price include The Harvest Table 800 g (R11.36 per 10 g, R909, Faithful to Nature).

## What can you do?

1. Email the brand and ask for the COA for your batch.
2. Rotate protein sources and avoid taking several products from the same raw material.
3. Prefer simple, single-ingredient products.

Rankings and price tables are in the [best collagen in South Africa](/best/best-collagen-south-africa/) comparison. For general quality checks, see [collagen side effects](/answers/collagen-side-effects/).

Anyone with kidney disease or on regular medication should also check with a doctor before using collagen daily.

## Products mentioned

| Product | Size | Price (source, date) | Servings | R per 10 g | R per serving | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATP Fitness Hydrolysed Collagen | 910 g | R950 (ATP Fitness shop, 2026-10) | 91 | R10.44 | — | None |
| The Harvest Table Bovine Collagen Powder 800 g refill | 800 g | R909 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 50 | R11.36 | — | none |
| New Leaf Marine Collagen tablets (60) | 60 tablets | R399 (Faithful to Nature, 2026-10) | 30 | — | R13.30 | none listed |
| Sport Rx Collagen Rx 600 g (Willow Wellness) | 600 g | R688-R695 (Knysna Health (via PriceCheck), 2026-10) | — | R11.47 | — | not stated |

Disclosure: ATP Fitness is a commercial partner of Healthnews24 and its products are featured on this site. Rankings follow our published method, and every pick, including ATP Fitness, shows its price maths and trade-offs.

## Sources

- [OPB/NPR (Oct 2025): Consumer Reports finds lead in popular protein powders](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/10/16/consumer-reports-finds-lead-in-popular-protein-powders/)
- [Spotlight (14 Aug 2026): Inside the Box with Dr Andy Gray: are complementary medicines effectively regulated in South Africa?](https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2026/08/14/inside-the-box-with-dr-andy-gray-are-complementary-medicines-effectively-regulated-in-south-africa/)
- [Faithful to Nature: collagen category (prices, October 2026)](https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/health/beauty-supplements/collagen)
- [SAIDS (South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport) FAQ: supplements, strict liability, medication check](https://drugfreesport.org.za/faq/)
- [Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Framework: Group B (emerging evidence)](https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/nutrition/supplements/group_b)