So I read a study in Consumer Reports today about the content of heavy metals in protein drinks. The metals of concern are deadly when humans are exposed to them, even is small concentrations, over many years: arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium.
I wouldn’t exactly call the results of the study tragic, but I definitely think Project Swole readers should be aware and should avoid certain products.
Read the report here: What’s in YOUR protein drink?
The Results of the Study
Considering that some people who use protein drinks consume more than one protein drink in a day, this test was conducted on 3 servings of 15 protein drinks.
Of the 15 products, 8 of them had heavy metals levels high enough to warrant warning labels in California, and 3 products had levels of contaminants that exceed the maximum daily limits sets by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), the federally recognized authority that sets voluntary standards for health products.
Let’s see what the offending products are:
 Test Results: Heavy Metal Contamination in Protein Drinks |
As you can see, the worst offenders are EAS Myoplex and Muscle Milk. I can’t stand either of those products anyway, so I’ll never use them. Either of those products, used over the course of 30 years or so, could lead to some nasty heavy metal poisoning, especially when combined with all of the contaminants in our environment today.
BSN and GNC brand products did not test well either.
I am happy to report that both Optimum Nutrition products tested extremely low in all heavy metals, and the ON Platinum Hydro Whey product is virtually clean.
What is your favorite protein drink?
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Need Pure Whey Protein Powder?
If you are looking for a pure protein powder, check out Optimum Nutrition. Optimum Nutrition protein powder comes in about 20 different flavors, and is available in 1 lb, 2 lb, 5 lb, and 10 lb containers.Click here to order or learn more about Optimum Nutrition.
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Glutamine and other amino acids are often more powerful than regular protein powder. Use Xtend Amino Acids to jump start your body in the morning, help provide energy during a workout, and stay anabolic while you sleep.Click here to order or learn more about Xtend Amino Acids.
Need Nitric Oxide?
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Need Creatine?
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About Project Swole - Project Swole is managed and mostly written by Steve, a formerly IFPA and ISSA certified personal trainer and sport nutritionist, who has been studying, practicing, and experimenting with fitness and nutrition since 1992. Please use the content at Project Swole to supplement the advice of your doctor or physician. All medical questions should be directed towards a qualified medical professional, and the advice provided at Project Swole should be used at your own discretion.
Here are some humorous links:
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Tags: health, Medical, protein, protein shake, protein shakes
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This is a very alarming news, though many still uses it. Advice to people who still take protein drinks, make sure that it won’t cause you harm and it is safe. Also, don’t take more than the recommended amount of in take.
I can’t stand either of those either. This is all the more reason to avoid ‘em. I didn’t see mine (All the Whey) on the list, so I’ll continue drinking it.
Pretty scary that supplement companies put that crap in there, but then get upset when it’s suggested that the industry be overseen by the FDA. Hello – If you don’t want the government involved in your industry, don’t give them a reason to do so.
Funny thing about this is. There is already a large amount of pollutants in our everyday life. The air that you breath has harmful chemicals. One person cannot remain safe from everything for long but one person can reduce the amount of exposure. I am glad that they got involved to do their research and that we now know about this issue. I use Optimum Nutrition ( Thanks Steve! ) and with the low amounts in the Gold Standard I do not feel alarmed about taking it now. ( I will change to the Platinum once my 2 lb container is empty though )
This does make me wonder about the protein bars, “everyday” supplements for vitamins, and anything else that is essentially ‘good’ for you. Good looking out Steve thanks for the link to the article.
Plus some protein powders have been found to be contaminated with anabolic ingredients, causing some athletes to fail drugs tests. Since the FDA doesn’t force these supplements to be tested, we really have no idea what we are ingesting… we can only trust the manufacturer’s word.