(ANN/THE STAR) – Gym-goers can often be spotted gripping protein shakes as though they hold a mystical potion for muscle growth or a can of Popeye’s spinach, sipping between exercise sets and sneaky glances at their reflections.
However, there is an equal chance that the powders used to make the shakes contain levels of toxic metals considered unsafe by certain sources.
This information comes from the Clean Label Project, whose mission, as stated by executive director Jaclyn “Jackie” Bowen says, is “to uncover the hidden risks of environmental contaminants and toxins lurking in everyday products”.
The non-profit organisation based in the United States reported that it tested 160 products produced by 70 brands – representing 83 per cent of the US protein powder market – and discovered that 47 per cent had metal concentrations surpassing the limit set in Prop 65, a California state law formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.
Plant-derived proteins showed greater metal content than whey powders, while chocolate-flavoured powders contained four times more lead as vanilla powders, and organic mixes had three times the cadmium levels compared to whey powders.
Suppose they do not increase the consumption of chicken, eggs, fish and meat for protein intake. In that case, they should at least act as “a wake-up call for consumers, manufacturers, retailers and regulators”, stated the Clean Label Project, emphasising the need for “stricter safety standards to protect consumers from long-term exposure to these contaminants”.
“Consumers are purchasing supplement and protein products for health and performance; they expect the products to be clean,” Bowen noted.
