protein and heavy metals article
This article reprinted from the Los Angeles Times June 1, 2010
"The online site released a report Tuesday in which outside lab tests were run on 15 different protein drinks (ready-to-drink liquids and powder mixes) and found that some contained contaminants such as cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury — most in the low to moderate range. But the authors of the investigation point out that levels were high enough in three of the supplements that if three servings were consumed daily, levels could surpass the maximum recommended limits for one or two of the contaminants.
The report found that three daily servings of EAS Myoplex Original Rich Dark Chocolate Shake have an average 16.9 micrograms of arsenic, which is over the suggested U.S. Pharmacopeia limit of 15 micrograms per day. Three servings also contain an average of 5.1 micrograms of cadmium, just over the USP limit of 5 micrograms. Three daily servings of some types of Muscle Milk products also exceeded suggested limits for certain heavy metals. The report points out that shellfish and some organ meats, such as liver, can be high in cadmium, as can plants that absorb phosphate fertilizers. According to the Food and Drug Administration, milk, yogurt, eggs, red meat and poultry can be good sources of heavy metal-free protein.
Consuming too much protein, which can be done if some supplements are overused, can lead to health problems, according to Consumer Reports. Most women need about 46 grams of protein per day and most men need about 56 grams, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report will also be available in the July issue of the magazine Consumer Reports."
— Jeannine Stein
Article reprinted from Los Angeles Times, June 1, 2010
UPDATE: Greg Pickett, founder of Cytosport, Inc., which makes the Muscle Milk products cited for heavy metal contaminants, disputes Consumer Reports' findings.
In a statement he sent us, Pickett says that his products clear independent testing standards and "do not reflect the concentrations" in the Consumer Reports article.
Pickett also notes that these metals occur in nature. "It would be uncommon, if not impossible, not to detect the trace amounts reportedly found in any agricultural product, such as dairy products, fruits and vegetables," he said.
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