A recent investigation on protein drinks has been causing waves of concern or even alarm to ripple through the fitness and bodybuilding world. Supplement companies are up in arms and people are wondering whether they should stop drinking protein shakes after the magazine said they tested 15 protein drinks for heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) and 3 of them came up above the proposed safe limits…

“We purchased 15 protein powders and drinks mainly in the New York metro area or online and tested multiple samples of each for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury” said Consumer Reports.

“Concentrations in most products were relatively low,” continued the article, “but when taking into account the large serving size suggested, the number of micrograms per day for a few of the products was high compared with most others tested.”

Out of the 15 products tested, the following exceeded the U.S. Pharmocopeia (USP) suggested limits for safety:

EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate (ready to drink liquid): 16.9 arsenic, 5.1 cadmium Muscle Milk chocolate powder: 12.2 arsenic, 5.6 cadmium, 13.5 lead, 0.7 mercury Muscle Milk Vanilla Cream: 12.2 lead

* Amounts in micrograms

So, if you use protein drinks should you be worried? Should you stop drinking them? Well, it appears disconcerting that certain brands are high in these metals, but keep in mind that: (1) Some people and organizations are questioning the choice of 3rd party lab used by Consumer reports, as well as the definitions for acceptable safe levels.

(2) These test results showed that that 12 out of 15 products were within safe limits even at high doses (or had zero heavy metals present), and (3) Products which tested high were tested based on very large doses. Therefore, this might be a red flag only for very heavy users (three shakes a day or up to 8 scoops) of specific products (not protein powder in general)

Heavy metal contamination is a particular health concern for certain populations including infants, young growing children, women of childbearing age who plan to have kids soon, pregnant women, and nursing women.

However, I don’t believe this report is a reason for panic or giving up moderate use of protein supplements.

Due to all the publicity, I imagine that the few companies named will write rebuttals or responses, and if necessary, simply tighten up their quality control. Probably, the industry in general will start posting more information on their testing, safety and quality standards. Some companies have reassuringly already done so on their websites (which has probably boosted their sales, not hurt them).

I think this is mostly a non-issue.

Consumer Reports is a favorite publication for many people researching purchases of cars, electronics and appliances. They were probably well-intentioned in their protein article (although who knows what underlying biases might be there).

In the future, however, I’d like to see these types of tests performed under scientific scrutiny and get the results published in a peer reviewed journal. This way, we can review the test results, read about the experimental methods and get the evidence-based facts about protein requirements and contaminant safety standards, rather than depend on journalists whose usual job is comparing brands of toasters.

On a related note, the NSF has questioned the lab/testing methods used in this story:

NSF International cannot comment on the test results reported in the July 2010, Consumer Reports article on protein drinks. It omits critical information about the laboratory that performed the test and its accreditation qualifications. ISO 17025 accreditation is critical for any laboratory testing for heavy metals in dietary supplements and nutritional products. The article also omits the test methods used, analytical preparation, sample size, the basis of their risk assessment, detection limits, quality control data and instrumentation used for this report.

While it’s fine and good that this info was published, what really bothers me about the write up is that it seems their journalists are using these test results as ammo to attack the entire idea of taking protein supplements and eating a high protein diet.

“You don’t need extra protein” and “high protein diets damage your kidneys,” claim Consumer Reports. They also quote a dietitian who said the body can only utilize 5 to 9 grams of protein per hour. I’d like to see a research citation on that one!

They are clearly perpetuating some of the same stupid myths about protein that bodybuilders and strength athletes have had to debunk for years.

When mentioning how cadmium is toxic to the kidney, they added, “the way that high protein is bad for your kidneys.” That is false. A high protein diet (on par with what a strength athlete would reasonably consume), is not damaging to a healthy kidney.

High protein diets are contraindicated for patients who already have kidney disease and caution is warranted in certain populations where risk of sub-clinical kidney conditions may be present or where there is kidney disease predisposition. That’s not the same as saying eating a high protein diet causes kidney disease.

It’s quite true that there’s a “more is better” mentality among many muscle-seekers and protein supplement marketing often feeds right into that. The consumer may be told – via advertisement or editorial – to take protein drinks multiple times every day (better for sales than recommending occasional or light use only when needed, right?)

Protein marketing can sometimes border on the outrageous today – with all kinds of claims made for muscle gain, fat loss, enhanced performance and even anti-aging. The truth is, protein supplements are just food – powdered or liquid food – they’re NOT magic! A lot of muscle and fitness fanatics today depend way too much on supplements and not enough on whole, natural foods.

How many people actually drink 3 protein shakes a day, every day (21 a week)? I don’t know. No one in my circle does, and it’s not something I recommend. In my Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle program, I recommend eating mostly whole food, eating a variety of foods and using protein shakes or powders as an occasional supplement for convenience or if you need a supplement to help you meet your optimum level of intake.

Personally, I use protein powder once a day in my oatmeal and I enjoy an occasional protein shake – you can make some pretty tasty smoothies if you add things like fruit, peanut butter, ice, etc. I don’t plan on stopping.

Some people are freaking out over this. I know the personality type: certain people will say, ‘No way, if there’s ANY heavy metal in any protein drinks I’m not taking them at all! Why take a chance?” Seems prudent, except that most of the protein drinks tested were well within safety limits and all were within limits with more moderate usage.

Besides, small exposure is inevitable anyway. What’s in the whole food you’re eating? If you pressed the issue, you could find some substance to gripe about – including heavy metals – in many of the foods you eat daily right now – yes, the so called “clean foods” – dairy products, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, shellfish, etc.

Advice: (1) Too much of anything can be bad for you, so don’t go crazy with protein drinks or protein foods (or too much of any one type of food). (2) Avoid diets that make you dependent on protein shakes or meal replacement supplements. (3) Don’t believe everything you read in the mainstream media until you check out the real science for yourself. (4) Use Consumer Reports when you want to know what car or camcorder to buy. Take their bodybuilding and sports nutrition info with a grain of salt.

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Eating a balanced, fast-metabolism diet isn’t always easy, even if you know exactly what you should be eating. The main culprit: time. Most of us just can’t fit it in to cook every meal.  

Instead we grab carbs — a muffin with coffee, a banana, granola bar, yogurt, an apple, a piece of toast, fries. We skip the protein and end up in a sugar rush followed by a sugar crash and no energy.

This happens because, in addition to needing carbs at every meal for the actual energy (carbs convert into glucose), we also need protein and fats to dispense the carbs steadily (make sure the carb-to-glucose conversion is time-released).

Whey protein shakes offer an ideal lean protein solution for those of us on the go. Here’s why:

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Metabolismboosting · Protein · Quickfix · Reasons · Shakes · Source · Them · Whey

How many diet books have you read that promised a new, miraculous way to help you finally shed your extra pounds? Maybe it’s a little pill that is supposed to suppress your appetite or a fancy new piece of exercise equipment that people buy into because they are looking for an easy way out. The reason these fads never work is because cheaters never prosper in life, and you simply cannot have a healthy weight loss and keep it off for good overnight.

No matter how they masquerade it, the core of any successful healthy weight loss program always comes down to the same philosophy: live a healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition combined with exercise on a daily basis is the winning combination. And yet, we still manage to screw it up. In an attempt to cut through all the obstacles, here is a list of the most common myths people believe that sabotage their healthy weight loss goals.

Healthy Weight Loss Myth #1: It doesn’t matter what you eat, as long as you eat less. If all foods were made the same, we would all be living on chocolate chip cookies and root beer floats. Unfortunately, the human body is complex and needs a variety of nutrients to work at its best. When you begin a diet by eating less calories than your body is used to, proper nutrition is a must. This becomes even more important when you add exercise into the mix.

If you want to achieve a healthy weight loss, your body needs to function as well as it possibly can. Taking a soy-based meal replacement shake and daily vitamin in addition to an healthy food choices and fitness regimen is how I not only lose 70 pounds 15 years ago, but I also was able to get off all my asthma medications. The body can perform miracles when you provide it with proper nutrition.

Healthy Weight Loss Myth #2: The less you eat, the better your results.If you are not getting enough calories, your body will use fat as fuel, but it can only do so much of this before serious breakdown happens in your muscles.,so you really need to stay above 1,200 calories. Since your body is complex, it kind of has a body has a mind of its own. If you deprive it of food long enough, it is going to panic and hold on to its emergency fuel supplies (fat) in hopes of riding out the difficult period of starvation.

Healthy Weight Loss Myth #3: High Proteins And Fats Are A Healthy Way To Lose Weight. Reducing your intake of carboydrates can be okay in moderation, but when you eliminate them completely you are cutting off your primary fuel source. Athletes and active people cannot function properly on this sort of a diet. So unless you plan on spending your time lying on the sofa watching tv, this approach won’t work. Exercise is extremely important and there is never going to be a way around that. Without it you might be able to lose weight but you will not look as healthy.

Healthy Weight Loss Myth #4: Fruits And Vegetables Are Bad This thought process comes from the whole glycemic index (GI) craze. GI proponents say that most fruits and vegetables are low in fiber but high in sugar, so they should be avoided. This is complete nonsense. First of all, eating fresh fruits and vegetables is what man evolved on for millions of years, and people were never fat until recently. Why would these natural foods all of a sudden be bad for you?

Too much of any one food can take it’s toll on the human body, but you don’t have to be a certified nutritionist to determine that a handful of grapes is 1,000 times healthier than a handful of potato chips. Fresh produce is loaded with vitamins and minerals, not to mention fiber. Go ahead and try to find an overweight person whose biggest indulgence is a banana. (Not dipped in chocolate, of course!)

Healthy Weight Loss Myth #5: Fat Free And Sugar Free Products Are HealthyAny fat free or sugar free version of your favorite junk food is nothing but a sneaky marketing ploy designed to cash in on another diet craze that did not work. Fat free does not mean sugar free and vice-versa. Cotton candy is fat free but people can not lose weight on it. Butter is sugar free but you would not want to eat it by the spoonful as part of a healthy weight loss program. A little common sense is required in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. Never judge a book (food) by it’s cover (package).

As soon as the next diet craze reveals itself, there will surely be another set of myths to dispel. There is no mystery behind healthy weight loss anymore, no matter how the next so called expert tries to repackage information you already know. For a truly healthy weight loss and maintenance thereafter, focus on creating a daily diet of a soy-based meal replacement shake, smart meal and snack choices that include fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean protein…and of course, exercise.

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