Is your protein drink safe?
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 by Michelle LeSueur
Is your protein drink safe?
As a nutritionist, when counseling people, I am always shocked to see how little protein people have in their diet. As I always preach, it is always about balance. Too much of anything is bad whether it be carbs, fat or protein. I have found that the large majority of women especially, do not like meat. So, to get them where they need to be, I usually recommend a protein drink.
Having formulated products, I have learned first hand the importance of choosing the best raw materials. In the supplement industry you truly do get what you pay for. If it is cheap, most likely these companies chose the cheapest, lowest ingredients to manufacture their product. Another thing I have learned is the importance of testing your raw materials at an independent lab to make sure that you are getting a pure product. Many companies do not do this. Why is this a problem? Well, we are seeing that the larger majority of ingredients that come from China say one thing on their analysis, and when sent out to an independent lab you get a completely different analysis. Many of the ingredients have contaminates such as heavy metals.
This has been evident in the recent consumer report done on 15 different protein drinks, from powders to ready to drink. These protein powders were sent to an independent lab for testing, and here is what they found:
Among the Consumer Reports tested, was EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shake – with 16.9 micrograms of arsenic (limit of 15 micrograms a day says U.S. Pharmacopeia) and exposed users to elevated levels of heavy metals when they drink three servings a day.
Other brands tested include Energy First Pro Energy Whey Protein Isolate; BSN Lean Dessert Protein Shake; Muscle Milk among others.
The human body is made up of about 16 percent protein, which plays a major role in cell functioning. Many enzymes, hormones and our DNA are composed of protein.
Here are the average amounts of metals we found in three servings of these protein drinks. The maximum limits for them in dietary supplements proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia are: arsenic (inorganic), 15 micrograms (µg) per day; cadmium, 5 µg; lead, 10 µg; mercury, 15 µg. Amounts at or exceeding those limits are in bold. Experts said three servings a day are common.
Why are heavy metals a problem? Well, if you are someone that is trying to lose weight or body fat; any toxin will keep you from reducing and leaning out. Let me explain. With heavy metals, research shows that there is a higher incidents of Alzheimer and metals tend to go to the brain. If you research the health issues associated with each of these metals, you will see where the problem is. Most people that have high metals also have high yeast, which increases food craving for carbs and sugar. I also see people that have skin issues when it comes to high metals in the body.
I am a firm believer in getting protein from whole foods when and wherever possible. It takes more calories to eat, chew and digest real food than a protein drink. I prefer no more than 2 protein drinks a day and nothing more than 20-30 grams. I do not allow any protein powders with artificial sweeteners. (Read my article on Sucralose) I also feel it is important to add fruit or eat some vegetables to protect the kidneys. The kidneys are the only organ that does not regenerate so you want to take care of them. We were meant to eat real food, but for those that have a hard time getting protein for whatever reason, this is a way to substitute. Do your research and makes sure you know what you are getting.
Hello!
very confusing everything, which muscle drink or protein, whey shake I can drink safely?
george
You should check out Muscle Gain by AdvoCare. Safest products out-tested by Informed Choice. Also available are Meal Replacement Shakes and Post Workout Recovery. Changed my health, life and training results. Aaron
Michelle, great article and information for us to absorb.
Based on my research protein does not damage the kidneys at all unless they are already in trouble which it means that we should be careful.
What are your findings?
Best regards
Hristo
Histro, the body processes on average around 5-9 grams of protein per hour so people that are doing protein drinks that have 50 grams are creating overload. If you read my article on antioxidants we are seeing the same problem, anything over 4,000 orac units a day puts stress and strain on organs. To much of anything is bad. But the real problem is when people only do protein with out vegetables, or some kind of low glycemic carb, causing the body to go into ketosis. When that happens it is literally like taking a shotgun to the kidneys. Also part of my training is in a particular type of body typing. Not the standard that you see in bodybuilding. Much different. But there is a particular body type that has a difficult time breaking down protein. Protein in their bodies creates agglutination, I have seen this first hand with my husband. He has had a protein drink, we look at his blood 1 hr later and all his red blood cells are stuck together. We give him the appropriate enzyme and in 15 min. they are free floating like they should. When the red blood cells are stuck together they cause fatigue and the kidneys to have issues. When I work with anyone that is using high protein for building muscle I make sure they have plenty of this enzyme to prevent this. You have to make sure you are breaking the protein down and you are not eating just protein. The reality is this. The kidneys are the only organ in the body that does not regenerate. I believe in cleansing the kidneys 2-3 times a year to keep them healthy. I hope that answered your question.
Aaron,
I looked it up and there is no where that they list the full ingredients of the formula. I think all companies need to put the actual label on sites so people can get the full info. For example. They list protein blend. If the protein blend consists of soy I would never put it in my body. It is missing important cysteine bonds necessary for liver function. Also soy creates estrogen dominance and all research on soy has been don on fermented soy not unfermented which the larger majority of products in the US are. Also it doesn’t tell me what they are using for sugars. I don’t use any artificial sugars like sucralose, acesulfame K or potassium ect. They are carcinogens. If you could send me a list of the actual ingredients I would love to review it. I am always looking for good products.
Michelle
Unfortunately they only tested 15 of the drinks out there and their are hundreds. Action whey is independently tested and has no issues. I know that for sure. As for others, I can’t say for sure. I know that I wouldn’t use any of the 15 listed. You could always send the one you are using to an independent lab and have it tested.