Does Your Protein Supplement Have More Heavy Metal Than a Metallica Concert?

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As we were getting ready to train yesterday, Eric walks in and says, “dude, did you read that article in Consumer Reports on protein powders? Apparently they tested a bunch, and found a boat load of heavy metals in ALL of them.”

Note: by “all of them,” he was alluding to the one’s they tested (15 in all). Not EVERY single brand of protein powder.

To give a very brief summary, Consumer Reports tested 15 different brands that they picked up in or around the metro NYC area. ALL drinks tested had at least one (or two) of the following heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Of most drinks tested, levels of these contaminants were low to moderate. However for three products, consumers who have three servings daily (which is easily attainable given that these supplements are targeted to teenagers who think more is better), could be exposed to levels that exceed the maximum limits for 1-2 of those contaminants. Worse still, the amount of lead found in eight supplements tested would require that the product carry a warning in the state of California!

As someone who’s been drinking protein shakes since he was a three years old, this was definitely an eye opener. I can’t say that I’m surprised, though. I mean, I’ve heard stories of people having protein supplements randomly tested, only to find out that while the label claimed it provided 22 g of protein per serving, in all actuality it was seven!

Unfortunately, the federal government doesn’t regulate or require that these companies be held to a standard (or accountable for that matter), and we’re left to just “trust” that they’re being honest and that they have our best interests in mind. Which is to say, many (not all) are giving us a big F-you.

Nevertheless, I’d HIGHLY encourage you to read the article, HERE, and see for yourself whether or not the protein supplement you’re using is on the list.

I’d be interested to hear any of your thoughts on this matter. Which protein supplement are you taking? Is it on the list?

Did what you just read make your day? Ruin it? Either way, you should share it with your friends and/or comment below.

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