Protein powder can provide a quick and convenient burst of nutrition before and after training, on the go, or between meals when you feel hungry. However, not all protein powders are made the same. In fact, some contain hidden health risks in the form of artificial flavors, thickeners, added sugars, and other shaded ingredients. To make matters worse, a survey of the 2018 Clean Label Project found that some of the most well-known protein brands contained amazing levels of lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and BPA.
Protein powder is considered a dietary supplement. That is, the manufacturer, not the FDA, oversees product labeling and safety.
“The supplement industry is largely unregulated, so it’s important to choose a well-known brand with third-party safety standards,” he said. Rachel Fine, RD..
With that in mind, here are some of the protein powders you should avoid the next time you’re in the grocery store or ordering online.
From a health perspective, you don’t have to worry about Natreve’s “Moures” protein powder. In fact, this balanced protein is non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free and made without the use of artificial flavors or colors. , Or sweeteners.
However, if you are a vegan and have specially purchased this protein, like most Natreve consumers, you may have a product recall because it was discovered that it contained undeclared milk. It’s worth noting. Due to a manufacturing error, the containers in the two lots contain milk-based ingredients that are not labeled.
If you have allergies or severe hypersensitivity to milk, taking this protein powder can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. And for people with lactose intolerance, it can still cause quite unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Collagen is a specific type of protein that functions as a component of all connective tissue in the body. Collagen protein powder has become a pandemic in recent years, promising a wide range of impressive potential benefits, from increasing muscle mass to supporting bone health.However Kristin Draayer, RDNot recommended.
“Collagen proteins are touted as good for hair, skin and joint health, but there is no valid evidence to support these claims,” she explains. “In the process of digestion and absorption, collagen is broken down into amino acids before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. The body then uses these amino acids to build the proteins that the body needs. There is no guarantee that it will be reconstructed as follows: Collagen. In fact, it is likely not. “
Not only that, Draayer says collagen is an inadequate protein for muscle building because it doesn’t contain all nine essential amino acids, especially leucine, which is important for the muscle building process.
But that’s not the only concern. A Clean Label Project study of major collagen supplements found that 64% were positive for measurable levels of arsenic, 37% were positive for measurable levels of lead, and 34% were positive for trace levels of mercury. ..
Specifically, Bulletproof’s collagen protein (chocolate flavor) topped the list of worst criminals, including 2.1 mcg of arsenic, 9.17 mcg of cadmium, and 1.33 mcg of lead. 2022 review King Saud University Journal It has been found that excessive intake of these heavy metals can cause serious damage to all organs of the body and increase the risk of cancer, neurological defects, respiratory illness, osteoporosis, and other conditions. rice field.
Bill Bradley, RDThe CEO of Mediterranean Living, recommends skipping this protein powder as it contains a one-two punch of corn syrup and the artificial sweetener sucralose.
“Sucralose and other artificial sweeteners have a negative effect on the intestines, and corn syrup can lead to diabetes and obesity,” says Bradley.
That’s not the only reason to avoid this product. Ingredients also include another artificial sweetener, acesulfame potassium. The FDA considers this ingredient to be safe in limited amounts, but studies show that high doses increase the risk of cancer and metabolic syndrome and can cause changes in brain function.
The first ingredient in this product is the “Arbonne Protein Matrix Blend” containing 56% pea protein. The Clean Label project has found that plant-based protein powders containing pea protein tend to contain higher levels of heavy metals than their counterparts, including dairy products. Not only that, but almost every cocoa powder (another ingredient in this powder) has been found to contain cadmium.
It is also worth noting that the beans contain phytic acid. This antinutrient binds to essential minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc as it passes through the intestines, preventing the body from absorbing them.
Arbonne protein powder also contains thickeners that are known to cause gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
There are many reasons to avoid this protein powder, including nasty thickeners and artificial flavors.
One is that it contains partially hydrogenated coconut oil, which produces large amounts of trans fat during the hydrogenation process. Trans fats increase “bad” LDL cholesterol and decrease “good” HDL cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Adaptogen Science protein powder also contains sucralose, which has been shown to have a significant impact on bacteria in the intestines.
Draayer recommends lightly sweetening the shake with fruit, or honey or maple syrup, without the use of protein powders containing artificial sweeteners.
