Protein powders are a quick, easily digestible, immediate source of protein and other nutrients. These powders and pre-made drinks are often a staple in the diet of bodybuilders, athletes and gym goers. However, the July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports revealed unsafe levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in several popular brands of protein powder. Scientists and protein powder manufacturers continue to debate on whether or not these amounts are harmful to users.
Heavy Metals in Protein Powder
Using an independent laboratory, Consumer Reports tested 15 popular protein powders for traces of heavy metal. Brands tested included Myoplex, Muscle Milk, BSN, Optimum Nutrition, GNC brand protein powder and several others. The study used the following United States Pharmacopeia standard for safe levels of these elements:
- arsenic - 15 micrograms (µg) per day
- cadmium - 5 micrograms (µg) per day
- lead - 10 micrograms (µg) per day
- mercury - 15 micrograms (µg) per day
According to the Consumer Reports study, all 15 brands of protein powder showed traces of some or all of the elements within safe levels. However, Myoplex and Muscle Milk showed higher than recommended levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead, thus sparking controversy on the safety of their consumption.
Greg Pickett, the founder of CytoSport, Inc., who manufactures Muscle Milk, responded to the Consumer Reports study by stating all Muscle Milk products are tested by independent certifying laboratories, including NSF International, and have consistently met and passed the standard for contaminants as established by the American National Standard for Nutritional/Dietary Supplements, better known as NSF ANSI/173.
Heavy Metals Everywhere
One argument raised in defense of protein powder manufacturers is that the same trace elements of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury can be found in foods people regularly consume. An apple naturally contains aluminum and traces of arsenic, lead, and mercury. According to both the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. Arsenic, cadmium and lead are even known to be trace elements found in drinking water in some areas.
Also, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are found to occur organically and not just as a pollutant or toxin. A study performed by the Israel Institute of Technology showed certain marine microorganisms naturally produce organic cadmium. Organic forms of these elements prove to be less harmful and can be beneficial to the human body in trace amounts. Inorganic trace metals are derived from metallics or chemical manufacturing and are far more harmful if consumed. Inorganic trace metals enter the air and water through pollution or from contaminated rocks and soil.
Awareness of Heavy Metals as Prevention
The Consumer Reports study indicates the presence of heavy metals in certain brands of protein powders, but the same heavy metals may be consumed through everyday foods. The danger of heavy metals from either protein powders or food consumption lies more in the amount ingested and less from the source. Heavy metals occur throughout the environment and may exist where least expected, but awareness of safe consumption levels can prevent taking in too much of anything harmful from any potential source.
Sources:
Consumer Reports Magazine, July 2010, pg. 27
United States Pharmacopeia
United States Food and Drug Administration
The National Library of Medicine
Jullie Chung - Jullie Chung has been a freelance writer since 2002 providing extensive copy for the industrial and medical fields. She has written copy ...
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