A method has been developed, optimised and validated to analyse protein powder supplements on an inductively coupled plasma-sector field mass spectrometer (ICP-SFMS), with reference to ICH Guideline Q2 Validation of Analytical Procedures: Text and Methodology. This method was used in the assessment of twenty-one (n = 21) elements (Al, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Pt, Sn, Ti, Tl, V) to evaluate the safety of thirty-six (n = 36) protein powder samples that were commercially available in the Irish marketplace in 2016/2017. Using the determined concentrations of elements in samples (µg·kg-1), a human health risk assessment was carried out to evaluate the potential carcinogenic and other risks to consumers of these products. While the concentrations of potentially toxic elements were found to be at acceptable levels, the results suggest that excessive and prolonged use of some of these products may place consumers at a slightly elevated risk for developing cancer or other negative health impacts throughout their lifetimes. Thus, the excessive use of these products is to be cautioned, and consumers are encouraged to follow manufacturer serving recommendations.
Keywords: ICP-SFMS; dietary supplements; exposure assessment; food; heavy metals; protein powder; residues; trace element; validation; whey.