Background: The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of mercury in protein supplements and health risks of their consumption in athletes. In this research, the health risk of consumption of protein supplements was investigated by measuring the concentration of mercury in the supplements consumed by athletes. Methods: In this study, 7 famous brands of protein supplements were purchased from sport shops in Shiraz city and the concentration of mercury was measured using ICP atomic absorption spectrophotometer and cold vapor technique with three replicates for each sample. Eventually, SPSS software version 21 was used to analyze the data. Results: Mean concentration of mercury in protein supplements was 0.17± 0.06 mg/kg dry weight, which was less than the permitted amount determined by the USEPA, WHO, FDA and the JECFA. Moreover, THQ Index was calculated as more than 1 in the samples. Conclusion: The results of this research showed that consumption of protein supplements is a threat to the health of athletes and other consumers in regard to mercury accumulation. Therefore, special cautions should be taken in consumption of protein supplements by athletes.
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