The Hidden Risks Behind Everyday Products
The recent attention surrounding Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause intestinal illness, has brought renewed focus to an important question: How do we protect ourselves from contaminants we cannot see?
Cyclospora is a foodborne parasite that can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. While washing fresh produce can help reduce exposure to some contaminants, it does not eliminate all risks. Because microscopic hazards cannot always be detected by appearance alone, food safety depends on prevention, monitoring, and scientific investigation.
This same principle applies to dietary supplements.
Dietary supplements have become an increasingly common part of modern health and wellness routines, driven by growing interest in preventive health, fitness, and nutrition. According to recent research, dietary supplement use among U.S. adults increased from 51.8% in 2011–2012 to 61.4% in 2021–2023, reflecting a significant rise in consumer reliance on products such as protein powders, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.
Consumers often choose these products with the expectation that they will support long-term health and wellness. However, a product’s appearance, packaging, or marketing claims do not reveal the complete picture. Certain contaminants, including heavy metals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” cannot be detected through sight, smell, or taste. Identifying these substances requires specialized analytical testing.
Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury can enter dietary supplement ingredients through contaminated soil, water, and agricultural practices. Many plant-derived ingredients can absorb and accumulate elements from their growing environment, making careful ingredient sourcing, manufacturing controls, and laboratory testing essential for minimizing consumer exposure.
Recent independent investigations have highlighted the importance of transparency and product verification. Consumer Reports tested 23 protein powders and ready-to-drink protein products and found that more than two-thirds contained lead levels above the organization’s daily concern threshold in a single serving. These findings underscore the importance of understanding what is contained within products that consumers use regularly.
The Role of Independent Science
At the Environmental Research Center (ERC), our mission is to help bring greater transparency to the products people consume. Through independent laboratory analysis, ERC works to identify potential contaminants and provide science-based information that helps manufacturers, retailers, and consumers better understand product safety.
The broader lesson from food safety concerns such as Cyclospora is simple: awareness matters, but awareness must be supported by evidence. Safe food practices, informed decision-making, and effective monitoring all play important roles in protecting public health. Likewise, independent testing and transparent reporting help ensure that dietary supplements meet the quality and safety standards consumers expect.
The risks we cannot see are often the ones that require the greatest attention.