Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead

[Peptidesearch]

I have a sub with CR but also Consumerlab.com where they specifically test supplements and give lots of info on whether the supplement is safe/beneficial etc.

 

[Labcat]

The report had lots of issues - https://news.immunologic.org/p/consumer-reports-latest-panic-toxic
Your protein powder is completely fine

I think the calm mongering is overly dismissive. Even using the least strict gov’t standards, many of us who actually rely on a large dose, say 2-3 protein drinks a day, to help meet the extended protein levels for post menopausal women and folks taking glps… could in fact regularly be taking in too much lead. Especially if we also eat dark chocolate or other industrially contaminated foods. It’s a straw man about ridiculing California worrying that a tiny amount of lead could kill you… the real concern is that lead is toxic to brain function and the majority of us are also likely checking out the cognitive peptides so avoiding a recognized toxin is likely very productive.

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

I stumbled across the whole "which protein powder is best" debate, some certainly are worse than others (I think most are actually pretty bad in the way of testing and saying that you get per scoop when compared to what you actually get):

Whey Protein

Quality milk tastes better, way better. That’s why grass fed dairy is the only dairy we use to make our whey protein. You’ll find no deception here, either. Our blend is naturally delicious. That means no artificial flavors or sweeteners.

levelsprotein.com

Casein Protein

Whey works fast. Casein works long. 100% micellar casein is a slow-digesting, complete dairy protein that keeps working while you sleep, or helps you skip the junk between meals. It’s the go-to when you need something that actually sticks with you.

levelsprotein.com

Certified Products

Committed Brands Leaders in Safety and Quality Welcome to our Brands section, where we showcase innovators dedicated to product safety and transparency. Here, you’ll find brands with Clean Label Project certification, committed to keeping high levels of harmful contaminants like heavy metals and...

cleanlabelproject.org

"The Clean Label Project (CLP) is a non-profit organization that advocates for transparency in food and consumer product labeling by testing for industrial and environmental contaminants not typically listed on ingredient labels, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plasticizers. Using independent, accredited laboratory testing, the CLP awards certifications to products that meet high safety standards"

Momentous | Best In Class Human Performance Products

Momentous is a human performance company dedicated creating no-compromise products and tools that support the endless improvement of personal performance.

www.livemomentous.com

Certified Product Results | NSF International Certified for Sport®

Search by keyword to find the most up-to-date information on QAI’s organic and transitional certified customers and products

www.nsfsport.com

NSF Certified for Sport® is a premier, independent certification for dietary supplements, functional foods, and personal care products, ensuring they are free from over 280+ substances banned by major athletic organizations. It verifies that the product label accurately reflects the contents and that the product is manufactured in a facility audited for quality, safety, andGMP compliance

Natural Protein & Supplements Store | Promix Nutrition®

Promix Nutrition natural supplements contain only the purest ingredients. Buy high quality, natural protein supplements & more at our online supplements store!

promixnutrition.com

Independent Lab Test Results | Promix Nutrition®

Promix Nutrition tests all of their products through Convance and Eurofins Laboratories to ensure they're made at the highest quality.

promixnutrition.com

^Promix is meant to be tested by NSF as well, but I was unable to find it for some reason

I'm sure there are more but the above are said to be tested more thoroughly that others, however the price definitely reflects that.

Not sure if this is any use to anybody but thought I would post it anyways.

 

[buffoon24]

I think the calm mongering is overly dismissive. Even using the least strict gov’t standards, many of us who actually rely on a large dose, say 2-3 protein drinks a day, to help meet the extended protein levels for post menopausal women and folks taking glps… could in fact regularly be taking in too much lead. Especially if we also eat dark chocolate or other industrially contaminated foods. It’s a straw man about ridiculing California worrying that a tiny amount of lead could kill you… the real concern is that lead is toxic to brain function and the majority of us are also likely checking out the cognitive peptides so avoiding a recognized toxin is likely very productive.

I don't think even drinking 3x is a big deal. Can you clarify what data you are looking into? Also, assuming most people easily get ~60g protein from their diet, if they are also taking 2-3 protein shakes then it is around ~140g of daily protein intake, which is close to or more than the upper limit. I agree with your cognition claim, though. My recommendation would be to track your daily protein and see how you feel/perform as the quantity fluctuates.

As someone who has been tracking many aspects of my health, it has been quite fascinating to see interesting correlations in my own data.

 

[Labcat]

I don't think even drinking 3x is a big deal. Can you clarify what data you are looking into? Also, assuming most people easily get ~60g protein from their diet, if they are also taking 2-3 protein shakes then it is around ~140g of daily protein intake, which is close to or more than the upper limit. I agree with your cognition claim, though. My recommendation would be to track your daily protein and see how you feel/perform as the quantity fluctuates.

As someone who has been tracking many aspects of my health, it has been quite fascinating to see interesting correlations in my own data.

Well it’s true that it’s relatively less problematic to drink a mild poison if one can limit it to a few times a week, just chase it with a diet coke. But saying a problem shouldn’t affect most people is less good than forcing mfgs to make clean products.

Some of us depend on protein supplements for baseline nutrition during periods when normal eating or high protein diets is difficult to achieve, so high levels of contaminants can be problematic. (It’s aggravating that it’s thought to be from poor handling of machinery contamination, so ultimately it was a choice, avoidable in production.)
Now, I have rarely been able to eat as much as 60gm of protein a day. Currently with gastroparesis and mcas, which are not uncommon conditions, longterm usage of protein supplementation to target protein intake is recommended. And I’m pretty sure those working to put on muscle regularly use protein shakes rather than cooking extra meals. Those who have sarcopenia or are postmenopausal or have bone density issues, have higher targets… as much as 1.3gm per POUND. (assuming good kidney function.) Though not everyone agrees of course. With glps complicating dietary intake by increasing protein need while reducing capacity for solid meals, along with goals of weight loss while maintaining palatability, there is a largely hidden population who drink a lot of protein supplements.
I’d be curious to see how many drink at least one a day.

 

[flapjacks]

Well it’s true that it’s relatively less problematic to drink a mild poison if one can limit it to a few times a week, just chase it with a diet coke. But saying a problem shouldn’t affect most people is less good than forcing mfgs to make clean products.

Some of us depend on protein supplements for baseline nutrition during periods when normal eating or high protein diets is difficult to achieve, so high levels of contaminants can be problematic. (It’s aggravating that it’s thought to be from poor handling of machinery contamination, so ultimately it was a choice, avoidable in production.)
Now, I have rarely been able to eat as much as 60gm of protein a day. Currently with gastroparesis and mcas, which are not uncommon conditions, longterm usage of protein supplementation to target protein intake is recommended. And I’m pretty sure those working to put on muscle regularly use protein shakes rather than cooking extra meals. Those who have sarcopenia or are postmenopausal or have bone density issues, have higher targets… as much as 1.3gm per POUND. (assuming good kidney function.) Though not everyone agrees of course. With glps complicating dietary intake by increasing protein need while reducing capacity for solid meals, along with goals of weight loss while maintaining palatability, there is a largely hidden population who drink a lot of protein supplements.
I’d be curious to see how many drink at least one a day.

This is so me. Have you been able to find any safe protein powders?

 

[Labcat]

This is so me. Have you been able to find any safe protein powders?

I just use organic whey powder and cross my fingers, it seem rather discouraging that everything seems to need regulatory supervision, and doesnt have it.

 

[flapjacks]

I just use organic whey powder and cross my fingers, it seem rather discouraging that everything seems to need regulatory supervision, and doesnt have it.

I went to this website and found some interesting info.

Protein Powder v2 Category Tested Products

Click Here to Download the Protein Powders Clean 16 Pdf The Clean Label Project (CLP) performed a comprehensive analysis of the Protein Powder category that included the following 165 products. CLP’s Clean Sixteen highlights the 16 products with the lowest levels of contaminants. Please note...

cleanlabelproject.org

 

[Labcat]

I went to this website and found some interesting info.

Protein Powder v2 Category Tested Products

Click Here to Download the Protein Powders Clean 16 Pdf The Clean Label Project (CLP) performed a comprehensive analysis of the Protein Powder category that included the following 165 products. CLP’s Clean Sixteen highlights the 16 products with the lowest levels of contaminants. Please note...

cleanlabelproject.org

Wow, that’s a fantastic resource! Thank you for posting this!

 

[flapjacks]

Wow, that’s a fantastic resource! Thank you for posting this!

You're welcome. I figured it's important to be careful since I am (like you said) supplementing a large amount of daily protein with drinks aka manufactured substances.

I appreciate that you guys are talking about this.

 

[wildweasel]

I do find it ironic that people tell us to eat less meat because it is healthier for the planet. But then you see reports like this for heavy metals in plant based foods. Always something bad wherever you look.

You can either pollute the environment with your meat murder or help clean it up the environment by doing your part in reducing the levels of lead in our soil.

Your choice

 

[lastresort]

Oh I remember this....I bought pea protein with oat-vanilla flavor because my mom kept having a stomachache with typical whey powder, but as soon as I saw Garden of Life exceeded lead level, I threw it all away. Took me a while that (claimed to) have less lead.

CPG companies don't have to do contaminant analysis because unlike food ingredients, CPGs dno't need GRAS status but it's pretty bad idea to not do one anyway.