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Tom.
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2006
Total Posts : 1245

Posted 6/1/2010 11:39 AM (GMT -4)

In the July, 2010 issue of Consumer Reports, 15 popular brands of protein powder supplements were tested and found to contain high levels of toxic heavy metals. Click below to read:

ConsumerReports

Post Edited (Tom) : 8/19/2010 12:17:59 AM (GMT-4)

albedo
Registered Member

Date Joined Jan 2008
Total Posts : 1049

Posted 8/1/2010 5:32 PM (GMT -4)

Thank you Tom. Not everything you find in the health store is .. healthy! Right?

Tom.
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2006
Total Posts : 1245

Posted 8/2/2010 2:43 PM (GMT -4)

albedo, you are right. I'm wondering how the heavy metals get in there. Is it from the food the cows consume? Is it in the manufacturing? I haven't found the clear answer on that.

John2004
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2004
Total Posts : 141

Posted 8/13/2010 10:03 AM (GMT -4)

Here is a link to an article on webmd about the consumer reports report...

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20100603/report-protein-drinks-have-unhealthy-metals

This link directly below on the consumer reports site has a chart showing the protein manufactures and the amounts of each of the heavy metals for a specific size serving of the powder.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/july/food/protein-drinks/whats-in-your-protein-drink/index.htm

Here is a site hosting the full text article from consumer reports...

http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2010/06/consumer-reports-investigates-whats-in-your-protein-drink.html

I would have liked to have seen the test results for Met-RX protein powders and the Life Extension foundation brand. I'm sure all the bodybuilders are upset to see this. I used to drink Met-RX for breakfast, and I have also used "Designer Whey" protein mix. The shakes are expensive. Anymore, I get my protein mainly from lean meat, yogurt, and beans.

It just seems to be getting like you can't trust anyone do to anything right in this world anymore.

John

DDye
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2002
Total Posts : 422

Posted 8/13/2010 10:44 AM (GMT -4)

Every production batch of Life Extension's Enhanced Whey Protein is tested for metals. Their history of test results fall below the USP limits.

John2004
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2004
Total Posts : 141

Posted 8/15/2010 7:59 PM (GMT -4)

I found two articles that attempt to refute the consumer reports article, are the points valid?

http://blogs.muscleandfitness.com/jim_stoppani/2010/06/protein-drinks-are-dangerous-yeah-right.html

http://www.bodybuildingsecretslive.com/heres-how-consumer-reports-screws-you-blind/

http://www.bodybuildingsecretslive.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/lead_in-food.jpg

Tom.
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2006
Total Posts : 1245

Posted 8/16/2010 12:54 PM (GMT -4)

I think Consumer Reports went a little overboard in their statements about too much protein. From some research it appears that lowering the consumption of some amino acids may help extend maximum lifespan. I'm not sure how much of that is hearsay or fact.

There is also the issue of denatured proteins and misfolding from shock such as acids or extreme temperatures. Even digestive juices can cause misfolds but internal systems are present in healthy individuals to correct that to a degree. I'm not quite sure if this is the same case when high levels of denatured proteins are consumed. How much of this gets corrected, uncorrected excreted, or if any is left behind and deposited. We do know that in the case of some brain diseases there is an accumulation or deposits of misfolds. .

I disagree with them on protein consumption and I don't think there is any problem with more protein if you're athletic and your body needs it. Like any food, protein has calories and what isn't burned for fuel is stored as body fat. So over-consuming protein without proper exercise is just like over-consuming any calories.

Even though Consumer Reports did not publish their methods and approaches for their laboratory tests, they still found heavy metal contents in some products. Although many were within limits.

Keep in mind the articles that you linked to were supporters of protein consumption, like Muscle & Fitness, so they may be a bit biased.

The take-a-way from all of this is to just be a careful consumer and choose a company that tests their products. If you have any doubts, write to the manufacture and ask to see their test results. Any respectable manufacture will keep these on file and they should be able to send you a copy.

It's nice to know Life Extension's Whey is tested for heavy metals. It's also claimed by the manufacturer to be an undenatured whey protein.

I haven't stopped consuming whey protein since I read this, but it has made me choose a company I can trust rather than shop for what is cheaper.

-Tom

Post Edited (Tom) : 8/17/2010 2:13:56 AM (GMT-4)

LivingLongHopefully
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2010
Total Posts : 4

Posted 10/29/2010 5:08 PM (GMT -4)

DDye said...
Every production batch of Life Extension's Enhanced Whey Protein is tested for metals. Their history of test results fall below the USP limits.

That doesn't say much. All the powders tested by CS fall in that category except for 2 that where over.

It would be nice to know "exact" results. Not the usual "we use only finest ingredients" type validation.

What are the exact results for the LEF protein powder? I would switch over if they were as low (like zero) as Solgar Whey To Go powder. I am waiting on Solgar because of the sugar content mentioned, I want to see the label on the jar first.

Currently using Met-RX vanilla and love it for the logic behind having a little cassein mixed in with the whey. However, I can't find the metal test results for it.

DDye
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2002
Total Posts : 422

Posted 10/29/2010 5:10 PM (GMT -4)

You are welcome to contact Life Extension's Advisory department advisory@lifeextension.com for this and any other questions not directed to the Forum members. Since it might take me awhile to get the information for you and we are discontinuing this particular Forum, it might be easier for you to obtain the information that way.

LivingLongHopefully
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2010
Total Posts : 4

Posted 10/29/2010 5:27 PM (GMT -4)

ok, I emailed them. I have been a fan of LEF back right after Dirk (or is it Durk?) wrote the Life Extension book. Him and Sandy used to be guests on Johnny Carson.

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